Ay, ay, sir, answered Humphry, making his way along the deck.
Having spoken to the men as directed, he stood for some minutes trying to pierce the thick gloom, and as he was sure no danger could be seen till the ship was close upon it, he resolved to return aft, and advise the mate to heave her to sooner than he had been ordered.
When just abreast of the fore-rigging, he suddenly felt his arms pinioned behind him, and a gag thrust into his mouth. At the same time a voice whispered in his ear, which he recognised as Ned Hadows, Do not cry out no harm is intended you; what we do is for your good. The next instant he felt himself lifted off his feet and placed in the fore-rigging, up which a man on either side forced him to ascend. He soon reached the top.
He will be safer in the cross-trees, said one of the men, and he was compelled to ascend till he got there. We must make you fast where you are, whispered Hadow, compelling Humphry to sit down on the cross-trees, and lashing him to the rigging. If you will promise not to cry out, we will remove the gag from your mouth; if not, you must be content to bear it for some time longer. Here, press my hand if you promise to do as I tell you I can trust to your word.
Humphry was very anxious to get rid of the gag, which hurt him, and pressed the hand placed in his. The gag was immediately taken out of his mouth.
Whatever sounds you hear, or whatever you see, dont cry out, as you value your life, whispered Hadow.
The next moment Humphry was left alone. He sat wondering why he had been thus treated. Hadow could certainly not have intended to injure him; at the same time, he could not help fearing that the crew contemplated some dreadful act of mutiny, and that Hadow had contrived to get him up there to keep him out of harms way. Nothing could he see but the tall mast above his head tapering towards the dark sky, and the yard and ropes immediately below him.
All on deck seemed quiet, no voices reached his ear.
The moments passed slowly by. Suddenly a loud shriek rent the air, followed by a heavy groan; then came the flash and report of a pistol another, and another followed. Now rose fierce shouts and cries from many voices, loud thundering blows, and the clash of cutlasses. A desperate fight was going on. He no longer had any doubt that the officers had been attacked, and were struggling for their lives.
Suddenly, as they began, all sounds of strife ceased, though he could now distinguish the voices of the crew shouting to each other.
The helm during the contest had been deserted, and the ship had come up to the wind. It seemed a relief to him to hear the boatswains voice ordering the crew to brace up the yards. The ship was then hove to.
No one, however, came to release him. If his friend Hadow had fallen in the strife, what would be his fate when the rest of the crew discovered him? The dreadful certainty forced itself upon his mind, that the officers had been overcome. He heard the men moving about the deck, and talking in loud voices to each other; but though he listened eagerly, he could not ascertain what was said.
Hour after hour passed by. No one came aloft to release him.
Notwithstanding the fearful anxiety he felt, he at length dropped off into forgetfulness; but his dream were troubled, and full of the horrors which had just occurred.
Chapter Three
Consciousness returned. He recognised Ned Hadow.
It will be wise in you not to ask any questions, Mr Gurton, he whispered. Just be sure that you are wide awake, and I will cast off the lashings. I have done the best I could for you. The men did not ask you to join them because they believed you would not, nor do I either. I am too grateful to you for what you have done for me to wish you to be among them. They have now possession of the ship, and intend to keep it. As we shall be at daybreak close in with the island we saw last night, they give you your choice of being put on shore there, or taking the oath of fidelity to them, and joining their cause. As I said before, I dont suppose you will hesitate about the matter.
Indeed I will not, answered Humphry; whether or not the island is inhabited or means of subsistence can be found on it, I would rather be put on shore than remain an hour longer than I can help on board the ship, after what I fear has taken place.
As I said, Mr Gurton, you must ask no questions, repeated Hadow. I wish I could go with you, but I am sworn to stay by the rest. I would give anything to be out of the ship, but it is too late now to draw back; though, as I have heard it said, that hell with sinners often begins on earth, so it has begun with me. Yes, Mr Gurton, I almost wish that I had been carried off by the fever instead of living on, to become what I now am. I was bad enough before, but I am a thousand times worse now. There is no one on board I can say this to, and I cannot help saying it to you.
Surely you could manage to come on shore with me, said Humphry. Your messmates will probably release you from any oath you have taken if you wish it.