"Why then, Master Hackett?" "Because after such a voyage every ship is bound to be at her worst, an' it's our best chance; if we give them time to overhaul an' lay plans, we stand a show to get beaten." "And are we to give up the island after having so much trouble to subdue the Typees?" "Not a bit of it, if all I've heard be true. Lieutenant Gamble, with midshipmen Feltus an' Clapp, are to remain behind in command of the force detailed for the fort." "And they are to stay here to keep peace among the natives," Phil exclaimed in a tone of surprise, whereupon Master Hackett corrected him by saying:-- "It goes without sayin' that they will keep peace on the island; but that ain't the reason for leavin' 'em here, by a long shot. We'll need a harbor for repairs while we stay in the Pacific, especially after two or three battles at sea, which I reckon will fall to our share. Them as remain behind will see to it that the Britishers don't take possession by some of their whalin' vessels or otherwise, an' we'll have a port to run to if the odds are too great against us." I failed to figure out what was to become of those left behind in case the _Essex_ was destroyed, or if she was forced to flee around the Horn; and Master Hackett could not help me to a solution. He seemed to treat it as one of the chances of war which the defenders of the fort must take, and as such, not worthy of discussion. Well, the refitting was pushed forward with all speed, and near about the first of December we were so far ready for sea that it was only necessary to take in a quantity of water and fresh provisions. The prizes were warped in close under the fort, and moored there in such manner that nothing short of a most violent tempest could disturb them. The encampment ashore was broken up, and all the men ordered on board the ships which were to venture out. When this last order was given, we had signs of serious trouble. The natives, who had become fast friends with our men, set up a terrible howl, and from morning until night we could see them on the beach crying and begging that the crew be sent ashore again, while on board the frigate and the _Essex Junior_ the sailormen themselves were bewailing a fate which seemed unnecessarily hard. There was little mutinous talk on our ship; but we heard again and again that the crew of the _Essex Junior_ was nearly in a mutinous frame of mind because the pleasant stay ashore had come to an end. As a matter of course the old shellbacks were not concerned in this insubordination. They recognized the fact that we must put to sea as speedily as possible, and were even eager to be gone; but many of the younger fellows would have deserted except for the strong guard which was kept both night and day. Only those who could best be trusted were sent on shore for the stores, and among these was Master Hackett, therefore we lads heard much of what was happening aboard of our consort.