His own nature was so open that he found it hard to credit deception in
others. My disclosures, however, enlightened him on much that was
taking place, and he bade me keep him advised of anything further I
might see or hear. To this end, I made frequent excuses for spending my
time in the forecastle among the men, pretending I found the
companionship in the cabin irksome. I had not been long among them
before I discovered a plot that was hatching to take the ship. Hartog
and I, together with those who would not join in the mutiny, were to be
set adrift with three days' provisions in one of the boats, when Van
Luck would navigate the "Endraght" to the nearest port, promising to
divide the pearls, the value of which he had greatly exaggerated,
equally among all hands, share and share alike.

To be forewarned is to be forearmed, and I had no sooner divulged the
plan of the mutineers to the captain than Hartog began to consider how
we might meet the situation. Janstins, the pilot, the ship's carpenter,
and three of the crew we knew we could depend upon, and they were
instructed where to find arms and ammunition, and told to rally to us
aft at the first signs of mutiny. Having completed these arrangements,
Hartog's next step was to bring matters to a climax, for he argued
rightly there was nothing to be gained, and much might be lost, by
delay.

Stepping boldly upon his quarterdeck, he now issued his orders in his
old peremptory style, and, upon one of the crew not moving smartly, he
threatened him with a dozen at the ship's gratings. The man turned
insolently, and demanded to know to whom Hartog was speaking, while, at
the same moment Van Luck, who was standing near, remonstrated with the
captain on the man's behalf. I had never seen Hartog really roused
before. In two quick strides he was beside Van Luck, and picking him up