"If you had not mentioned the name of Captain Walmsley, I might have believed you. As it is, I do not. Your word and honor do not weigh much with me." "Don't insult me." "I simply speak the truth. There! do you hear four bells?" "I do; and if you are not blown up in half a minute, you may thank Captain Walmsley for his moderation." "He is not villain enough to destroy the lives of forty men, his own people as well as mine, to gratify your malice and revenge. I give you _my_ word and honor that he will do nothing of the kind." Pillgrim looked hard at him, and seemed to be slightly disconcerted by the obstinacy of Somers. "If he will not, I will!" said he, fiercely. "I purpose to put you in irons, when you have said all you have to say." "In irons, Somers!" exclaimed the traitor, springing to his feet, his face flushed with indignation. "Since you are open enough to announce your intentions, it is plainly my duty to defeat them. Acknowledge that your plot to blow up the vessel is a mere scare, and I may spare you this indignity." "You will find that it is a reality." "Why don't it blow up, then?" "It will, as soon as Captain Walmsley is ready. The Ben Nevis shall not again go into a Yankee port as a prize. Mark my words." "Captain Somers," called Mr. Hudson. "What is wanted?" "The men in the hold report a smell of fire there." "I will be with you soon," replied Somers, convinced by this message that there was some foundation for the threats of the traitor. "Go into the hold, Mr. Hudson, and find the fire, if there is any." He was cool, and did not permit the wretch before him to see a muscle of his face move. "There is fire there, Somers," said Pillgrim. "I know just where it is. In a few minutes it will reach the ammunition boxes." "Corporal," said Somers, opening the door again. "Here, sir." "Put the prisoner in irons, hands and feet," continued Somers. "Do you mean that, Mr. Somers?" asked Pillgrim, quivering with emotion. "I do mean it, and I shall stand by till it is done." "Will you leave me in the midst of the fire, ironed hand and foot?" "I will. You kindled the fire; and if you perish by it, blame yourself." Pillgrim attempted to resist the execution of the order, but the marines were resolute, and he was fully ironed in spite of his struggles. "Now lock him in," said Somers. "One word, Mr. Somers." "Not another word;" and the young commander hastened from the state-room, and made his way to the scene of peril in the hold. He did not believe that even Pillgrim was stupid enough to blow up the Ben Nevis for mere revenge; and Captain Walmsley certainly would do nothing of the kind, for he could have no strong feeling on the subject, at least not enough to sacrifice the lives of himself and his crew.