- for thought is more rapid than the lightning - that my old
companions had a pistol. Without a moment's hesitation, therefore,
I lifted the keg from the deck and tossed it into the sea! An
exclamation of surprise burst from the captain and some of the men
who witnessed this act of mine.

Striding up to me, and uttering fearful imprecations, the captain
raised his hand to strike me, while he shouted, "Boy! whelp! what
mean you by that?"

"If you lower your hand," said I, in a loud voice, while I felt the
blood rush to my temples, "I'll tell you. Until you do so I'm
dumb!"

The captain stepped back and regarded me with a look of amazement.

"Now," continued I, "I threw that keg into the sea because the wind
and waves will carry it to my friends on the Coral Island, who
happen to have a pistol, but no powder. I hope that it will reach
them soon, and my only regret is that the keg was not a bigger one.
Moreover, pirate, you said just now that you thought I was made of
better stuff! I don't know what stuff I am made of, - I never
thought much about that subject; but I'm quite certain of this,
that I am made of such stuff as the like of you shall never tame,
though you should do your worst."

To my surprise the captain, instead of flying into a rage, smiled,
and, thrusting his hand into the voluminous shawl that encircled
his waist, turned on his heel and walked aft, while I went below.