And he struck the half-conscious Jap again full in the face. There was a slight commotion in the back of the gathering crowd of sailors. Harrigan was urging forward, but he was caught by the iron hands of McTee and held back. "For the love of Mike," moaned the Irishman softly, "let me at that swine of a mate!" "Shut up!" cautioned McTee savagely, but in a whisper. "That's the Jap who tried to knife you!" "I will--I'll shut up," sighed Harrigan, panting, "but ah-h, to get in punchin' distance of Borgson for one second!" "What shall we do with him?" Borgson was asking. "Captain!" begged the husky voice of Kamasura, fighting his way back to semi-consciousness. "If he tries to speak again, smash his mouth in," said Henshaw without raising his voice. "Tonight put him in irons. I'll tend to him tomorrow. Go get the irons. Hovey, take Kamasura below." "Aye, aye, sir," said Hovey, and caught the Jap by the arms behind. That touch quieted Kamasura, and as he was led off, he began to whisper quickly. The moment they were away from the crowd, Hovey said: "Say it slow--no, you don't have to beg me to help you. I'll do what I can. You know that. Now tell me what you saw." "Cap'n McTee--behind the wireless house--holding the hand of Harrigan. They were talkin' soft--like friends!" "By God," muttered Hovey fiercely, "an' yet McTee told me he wanted Harrigan put out of the way. He's double-crossin' us. They're teamin' it together. What did they say?" The Jap spat blood copiously before he could answer: "I could not hear." "You ain't worth your salt," responded Hovey. "I cannot help--I am crush--I am defeat. Do not let them bring me before Henshaw. To look at him--it puts the cold in my heart. I cannot speak. I shall die--I--" "Keep your head up," said Hovey. "There's nothing I can say that'll help you--just now. Later on you'll be able to deal with Henshaw and Borgson just the way they dealt with you. Does that help any?" "Ah-h," whispered the Jap and drew in his breath sharply with delight. "I might start the boys--I might turn them loose on the ship," went on Hovey, "but the time ain't come yet for that. We're too far from the coast. Whatever happens, Kamasura, can you promise me to keep your face shut about the mutiny?" "Yes-s." "Even if they was to tie you up an' feed you the lash? Henshaw's equal to that." Kamasura stammered, hesitated. "Don't make no mistake," said Hovey fiercely, "because we'll be standin' close, some of us, an' the first tune you open your damned mouth, we'll bash your head in. Get me?" The entrance of Eric Borgson made it impossible for the Jap to answer with words, but his eyes were eloquent with promise. Hovey started back for the forecastle; he had much to say to the sailors, and thereafter life on the Heron would be equally dangerous for both Harrigan and McTee.