Adventures in Southern Seas A Tale of the Sixteenth Century

e ship. It was evident that a spirit of discord had begun to show itself among the crew, which threatened a mutiny. Jan

t, 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, i

ilderness? They knew the chances they took when they set sail, and will have their wages paid in full, w

ill not view the matter with such common sense. They believe that go

eader amongst them whom we wot not of. If I find him I'll send him adrift u

is command, and when he spoke of the punishment most dreaded by seamen, of being cast adrift in an open boat with three days' provision

aptain was below. Although this could not be disputed, yet I bethought me he might have found an opportunity to add his voice to our councils had he the inclination to do it. But as yet

delicate creatures rose out of the water like silver clouds, and as they passed over our Vessel numbers fell upon our decks. These fish are excellent eating, and of those that fell aboard of us we soon had an ample supply. Hartog, as much to give the crew some novel occupation as from any other motive, set the men

tinous conduct, and resumed something of their former cheerfuln

shes sent to us at so opportune a time; but for their coming

e in chance and circums

ng. The sport in which the seamen were engaged app

s chief officer. But he did not appear to do so, and it was no part

It is mostly during a calm, when the ship rides motionless upon a painted sea, that mutinous and rebellious thoughts arise among seamen. When the vessel is ploughing her way through storm and stress, each man seems a part of the ship and to hav

found ourselves once more among the islands of the South Seas, and the thoughts of being again on sho

ins, who was of a sanguine disposition, began to speculate upon our chances of finding treasure, and Hartog predi

in the Old World. They are as much the elements of the earth as rocks and water. It onl

w how fickle a jade is fortune, giving to one with both hand

untless islands or the Pacific, upon, w

e crew, many of whom seemed now as anxious to avoid him as before they had been inclined to follow him. He wa

ind to grow old among savages unless luck brings us a ransom from this banishment. My reputation, nay more, my honour, is pledged not to go back empty-handed, and I

I sighed when I thought of the time that might