338 NIMROD OF THE SEA; OB, 



was made in Hang's favor which sent Mr. B below, 



whence he did not return. Mr. S , the cause of all the 



trouble, evidently saw that 'there was a rod in pictle for him 

 if he came to close quarters, and very wisely he held the 

 lee quarter-deck. Mr. F , with a terrribly pained ex- 

 pression, was walking the weather-quarter, evidently having 

 washed his hands of the affair. The four boat-steerers 

 stood on the main - hatchway, neutrals. The frightened 

 cook clattered his pans in the galley, about the door of 

 which the war raged. The cooper and carpenter leaned 

 over the larboard waist, looking into deep water. The men 

 concluded that Bingham was safe for the time being, and 

 as the captain doubtless would re-appear avmed,'it was best 

 that further proceedings should be taken in our own quar- 

 ters. We therefore walked forward of the windlass, and 

 clustered on the roomy forecastle-deck. We had scarcely 

 taken this vantage ground, when the captain, blind and blaz- 

 ing with fury, came at us, with a heavy ivory-tipped club 

 elevated over his head. The weapon fell, as it happened— 

 for I am sure he did not see who he struck — on the head of 

 a little boy named Sam, from Philadelphia, and the child fell 

 senseless to the deck, the blood flowing profusely from an 

 ugly scalp-wound. Before the madman could again strike, 

 the club was wrested from his hand and thrown overboard. 

 The baffled man then stood facing the silent, observant crew, 

 pouring out his rage in threats and abuse. The calm yoice 



of Mr. F was now heard, pleading for peace, and the 



mate came forward and led the captain aft. 



