pig-headed lot, and a dozen apiece at the gratings would do them no
harm. But while they outnumber us, as they do, three to one, we must
avoid a quarrel. Besides, if we got the upper hand, and drove the scum
into the sea, we'd be undermanned for the voyage, and unable to weather
the first storm that came upon us."

"What is it they want?" asked Hartog impatiently. "Am I a wizard to
conjure gold and jewels out of the wilderness? They knew the chances
they took when they set sail, and will have their wages paid in full,
whereas I shall receive nothing but abuse, so that in this they are in
better case than I, their captain."

"Granted you are right," answered Janstins, "yet these dunderheads will
not view the matter with such common sense. They believe that gold and
jewels are to be found, but we have not the wit to find them."

"Who has told them this?" demanded Hartog with a frown. "They must have
a leader amongst them whom we wot not of. If I find him I'll send him
adrift upon the sea to look for the treasure he speaks of with none to
hinder him."

It was the first time I had seen Hartog so deeply angered, aroused as
he was by the rumoured treachery that was being hatched against his
command, and when he spoke of the punishment most dreaded by seamen, of
being cast adrift in an open boat with three days' provisions, I knew
full well he would not hesitate to inflict this penalty upon whomsoever
might be found attempting to undermine his authority.

At these consultations held by the officers in the cabin, I noticed Van
Luck was never present. He made an excuse for his absence that, as