They heard it and fell silent. It was the silence of stupefaction. Quickly following up his advantage, Les said:
“I can’t take her into port without a crew. You know me, boys. Will you stand by me? I promise you that as soon as we touch port there shall be a full investigation of all the troubles on board!”
“Where’s the owner?” demanded a voice.
At this moment Horace reached Les’s side. Whatever his faults, Horace did not lack physical courage. “Well, what do you want of me?” he asked defiantly. He had his gun in his hand.
“For God’s sake put up your gun or you’ll have us all thrown to the sharks!” muttered Les.
Horace concealed the gun just a moment too late. There was a flood light on the well deck used when heavy supplies or baggage was brought aboard at night. Somebody turned it o
