The English doctor was one of the garrulous kind, who gloried in the sound of his own voice. "Smart boy, that Bob. I should say he is a real good fellow." "Yes, as true as steel, though no great friend of your nation, doctor." Luiga stayed no longer. He was satisfied that Bob had not betrayed him. The doctor stayed and chatted for half an hour, and Tempest enjoyed the change, for it was a pleasure to have an educated man as companion out on the open seas. But all the time that the disciple of Esculapius was talking the lieutenant was puzzling his brain to know what Bob really meant. "Place all the prisoners in irons. That seems harsh. Shall I do it, or shall I question Bob first?" The latter course was resolved upon, and Bob was duly cross-examined; but he was true to his oath, although he evaded the strict spirit by saying: "If I hadn't sworn not to tell you, cap'n, I should say that there would be mutiny the first dark night; but I did swear not to tell you, so cannot say it." No diplomat ever got around a difficult problem easier than did Bob, and Tempest saw that the powder-monkey had some secret information which he could not make public. The day passed on as most days do when the sea is calm and the sky unruffled by even a cloud, and Tempest hesitated on his course of action. If the _Lively Bee_ had been nearer he would have sought advice from his captain, but that meant delay, and action must be taken at once. It was better to be on the safe side, and he had resolved to imprison the men, when a sail was sighted. That gave him the excuse he wanted. The prisoners were ordered on deck, and, as they stood in line, Tempest saw an ominous scowl on more than one face. "Men, I have sent for you to thank you for your behavior during the time you have been prisoners of war," he began, and the men wondered at such a novel introduction. "I have always believed in human nature, and still do so, but there are times when prudence demands certain precautions to be taken. A sail appears on the horizon, and we may have to fight; therefore, it becomes necessary to order you below until all danger has passed." Luiga scowled and looked threateningly at Tempest. "You'll place us in irons next, eh?" "If it is necessary, yes," answered Tempest without a quiver in his voice. "Then you'll get no chance with me. I'm a free man, and so are we all--eh, men?" "Ay, ay, Luiga!" "Then I say I'll be your cap'n, and there ain't men enough on this ship to say me nay. Will you stand by me?" "Ay, ay, Luiga, we will." "Seize him," cried Luiga, pointing to Tempest, who had stood calmly and stoically during the mutinous language. But as soon as Luiga gave the order, he quietly raised his pistol and shot the West Indian dead. Drawing his sword, he challenged the mutineers to come on and he would meet them single handed. "No, no, we were wrong. We ain't murderers nor mutineers, we're fighters," said one, and his speech was echoed by the others.