"Captain Toplift," said I, calmly, "do you allow one of your crew to use such language as this? Had I been captain of this ship, I would have blown his brains out as he stood. You don't know how to deal with these rascals. I do." Captain Toplift, who appeared much pleased at being supported in this way by me--(strange that a single individual, whom they might have thrown overboard in a minute, should have gained such an ascendency, but so it was)--and who perceived that the men fell back, as if taken by surprise, then said, "Captain, you have taught me a good lesson, which I will take advantage of. Seize that fellow and put him in irons." "Hah!" cried the man, seeing that no man touched him; "who is to bell the cat! Hah!" and drew his cutlass. "I will, then," said I to Captain Toplift, "if you desire it;" and stepping forward I went up to the man, saying, "Come, come, my good fellow, this won't do here; I am used to deal with such chaps as you, and I can manage worse than you, a good deal." I advanced till I was within the stroke of his cutlass before he was aware of it, and, seizing him by the waist, I threw him flat on his back and put my foot on his neck. "Now," cried I, in an authoritative voice, "put this man in irons immediately--refuse who dares. Here, you Sirs, lay hold of this fellow," continued I, looking to the Portuguese; who accordingly came forward and led him away, assisted by others, who now joined them. "Are there any more mutineers here?" inquired I; "if so let them step forward." No one stirred. "My lads," said I, "it is very true that I have refused to take the oath, for the oath is not given to those who command, but to those who obey; but at the same time I am not one to betray you. You know who I am; and is it likely?" "No, no," replied the men. "Sir," asked one of them, who had been most forward and insolent, "will you be our captain?--say but the word,--you are the sort of man we want." "You have a captain already," replied I, "and in a few weeks I shall command a vessel of my own; I cannot, therefore, accept your offer; but while I am on board I will do all in my power to assist Captain Toplift in any way, and you can desire no more. And now, my men, as an old hand, I have but this advice to give you, which is--to return to your duty; for everything in a vessel of this description depends upon obedience; and to you, Captain Toplift, I have also advice to give, which is--to shoot the first man who behaves as that scoundrel did who is now in irons. Boatswain! Pipe down." I hardly knew whether this latter order would be obeyed by the boatswain, or, if obeyed by the boatswain, whether it would be obeyed by the men; but, to my great satisfaction, it was; and the men retired peaceably. "Well, Captain Toplift," said I, "I have done you no harm, and myself some good."