A flash of instinct like a woman's intuition told Harrigan what impulse was moving McTee.

He knew it was the same thing which makes the small schoolboy fight with the stranger; the same curiosity as to the unknown power, the same relentless will to be master, but now intensified a thousandfold in McTee, who looked for the first time, perhaps, on a man who might be his master.

Harrigan knew, and smiled.

He was confident.

He half rejoiced in looking forward to the long struggle.
A knock came and the door opened.
"Masters," said McTee to the boatswain, "we're three hands short." "Yes, sir." "Here are the three hands.