Panic-stricken troops recover slowly, and men who have just disgraced

themselves by cowardice, as if to wipe out the memory of their fault,

will sometimes run straight into the opposite extreme of insubordination.

So it was now; and the same men who had thrown away their weapons and

been hauled, feet foremost, into the Good Hope, began to cry out upon

their leaders, and demand that someone should be punished.

This growing ill-feeling turned upon Lawless.

In order to get a proper offing, the old outlaw had put the head of the

Good Hope to seaward.

What!" bawled one of the grumblers, "he carrieth us to seaward!"

'Tis sooth," cried another. "Nay, we are betrayed for sure."

And they all began to cry out in chorus that they were betrayed, and in

shrill tones and with abominable oaths bade Lawless go about-ship and

bring them speedily ashore. Lawless, grinding his teeth, continued in

silence to steer the true course, guiding the Good Hope among the

formidable billows. To their empty terrors, as to their dishonourable

threats, between drink and dignity he scorned to make reply. The

malcontents drew together a little abaft the mast, and it was plain they

were like barnyard cocks, "crowing for courage." Presently they would be

fit for any extremity of injustice or ingratitude. Dick began to mount

by the ladder, eager to interpose; but one of the outlaws, who was also

something of a seaman, got beforehand.

The Black Arrow