Come, my lads, it's no use thinking of it, the sooner done the better--let us shake hands, and then make one run of it." It appeared that the poor fellows had already made up their minds to do this, if our hero, persuaded by Mesty, had refused to take them on board; they shook hands all round, and then walking a few yards from the beach, stood in a line while the man gave the signal--one--two-- "Stop," cried Jack, who had not forgotten the dreadful scene which had already taken place--"stop." The men paused.
"What will you promise if I take you on board ?" "To do our duty cheerfully till we join the ship, and then be hung as an example to all mutineers," replied the men.
"Dat very fair," replied Mesty; "take dem at their word, Massa Easy." "Very well," replied Jack, "I accept your conditions; and we will come for you." Jack and Mesty hauled up the boat, stuck their pistols in their belts, and pulled to the shore.

The men, as they stepped in, touched their hats respectfully to our hero, but said nothing.

On their arrival on board, Jack read that part of the articles of war relative to mutiny, by which the men were reminded of the very satisfactory fact, "that they were to suffer death"; and then made a speech which, to men who were starving, appeared to be interminable.

However, there is an end to everything in this world, and so there was to Jack's harangue; after which Mesty gave them some biscuit, which they devoured in thankfulness, until they could get something better.
The next morning the wind was fair, they weighed their kedge with some difficulty, and ran out of the harbour: the men appeared very contrite, worked well, but in silence, for they had no very pleasant anticipations; but hope always remains with us; and each of the men, although he had no doubt but that the others would be hung, hoped that he would escape with a sound flogging.

The wind, however, did not allow them to steer their course long; before night it was contrary, and they fell off three points to the northward.