Take off these irons, take them on deck, and then hang them. For doing what? For obeying the instincts of their nature. For doing what they could not help. And then in order that the job be done scientifically and religiously, you and Captain Davis should be their executioners. You began the work—you learned these men to drink—on you rests the responsibility of their acts. And it is but fitting that you finish the work you began. Turn hangman, Lieutenant, turn hangman. Cora, exclaimed Powers excitedly, you must stop this ranting. If a man had so far forgot himself as to address an officer as you have done, he would swing at the yard-arm before sun-down. Then you will have an execution before dark, replied Walter, for I endorse every word she has said. Mr. Wallace, said the Lieutenant, this thing must stop. You and Cora must leave, and I will see that justice is done these men. All parties left, and soon after met in the cabin. Captain Davis was walking the floor, and seemed to be absorbed in deep thought. Mrs. Davis met Walter with a smile, and motioned him to take a chair by her side. A moment after, Cora came in, followed by Lieutenant Powers. Have you seen Frost and Jones? asked Mrs. Davis. We have, replied Walter. And what is your wish toward them? asked the Captain. To give them their liberty, and set them to work. My word for it Captain, there isn’t two more loyal men in the British Navy than Tom Jones and Jack Frost, and they have been sufficiently punished for all the wrong they have done. Mr. Wallace, there is force in your reasoning. Yet, as Commander of this ship, I must make a full report, and account for the men we left on shore. That is the key to the whole matter, Captain. Report the case just as it is—that the leaders of the mutiny were killed on the spot, and Jones and Frost were punished by being placed in irons and confined between decks for twenty days and then set to work. This, I think, would be satisfactory, both to the men and the government. I will lay the matter before my officers, replied the Captain, and be governed in the matter by their judgment. A council of the ship’s officers was called, and Walter was invited to be present, the result of which was, that Jones and Frost were restored to liberty. It was soon known on board of the ship that Walter had been instrumental in procuring the release of the men, and for that reason, he became the idol of the crew, and a friendship grew up between them that lasted for life. During the remainder of the voyage Walter spent most of his time with these men, and from them learned the whole routine of the sailors’ duty in working and sailing a ship. Walter was an apt scholar, and by time England was reached he was a first-class sailor. On the evening of the day on which Jones and Frost were released, Walter and Lieutenant Powers had a long conversation in relation to their future action.