He had not a second to lose. In fact, so sudden was the captain's attack upon him, that he had not time to take aim, so he fired at random, and Capt. Diaz fell, mortally wounded, by the side of the boy whom, in a moment of passion, he had so foully murdered a short time before. The crew, who had watched this series of events in surprise and horror, now ran aft. "Boys," cried Boston Charley, "I call you all to witness that I did this in self-defense." The men showed the feeling they had in the matter by seizing the body of the captain and casting it overboard with as little concern as he had shown in disposing of the boy Bobsey. Boston Charley now took command of the ship, and was obeyed by the men as if he was entitled to the position. Tommy's life was now made much easier, for he only had to wait on the new captain. "A penny for your thoughts, my boy," exclaimed the captain one day, as he noticed Tommy in a melancholy mood. "You shall have them for nothing, sir," replied Tommy. "I was wondering how I could find out my folks." "Tell you what, Tommy," said the captain, "when we reach 'Frisco I'll take all the money that's coming to me, and we'll start for Nevada together." "You and I, sir?" asked Tommy, with great joy at the prospect of having such a good traveling companion. "Yes; I guess there is more money in mining than seafaring, and I'll try my luck." Boston Charley did not waver in his resolution. When the ship reached San Francisco, and the crew were paid off by the owner, he, with Tommy, started at once for Nevada. He had taken quite a fancy to Tommy, and treated him with as much care and attention as a father would bestow on a son. CHAPTER XX. TOMMY'S COURAGEOUS RESOLVE. Leaving Tommy to pursue his journey, we must return to Smithers, who, it will be remembered, wended his solitary way toward Silver City, after the capture of his wife by the robbers, the desertion of his daughter Alice, who ran to her mother's assistance, and the shocking death of Harold. Trying to dismiss all the unpleasant recollections of the day from his mind, Smithers drank more whisky, and in time reached the city to which he had emigrated. Entering the city through a spacious street which was named Broadway, he then halted his wagon. A man of tall stature and cadaverous cast of countenance, who was lounging in front of a saloon, with his hands in his pockets and a cigar in his mouth, approached the wagon, eyed it critically, and then regarded Smithers with an inquisitive air. "Born East, I calculate, stranger?" he said. "Yes," replied Smithers. "I'm glad to make your acquaintance. I'm Maj. Allston, and well known in this town." The major might have added that he was too well known to be trusted, for, though a smart, clever man, he made a scanty and precarious living by his wits.