He was just about to help himself to a little, more champagne when Mr.Stobell, reappearing at the door, requested him to come and give them the benefit of his opinion in the matter of cigars.
"They don't seem up to sample," he said, with a growl; "and you're a good judge of a cigar." Mr.Chalk rose and followed him downstairs, where, to his great astonishment, he was at once seized by Mr.Tredgold and led outside.
"Anything wrong ?" he demanded.
"We must get to the ship at once," said Tredgold, in an excited whisper.
"_The men!_" Mr.Chalk, much startled, clapped his hands to his head and spoke of going back for his hat.
"Never mind about your hat," said Stobell, impatiently; "we haven't got ours either." He took Mr.Chalk's other arm and started off at a rapid pace.
"What is the matter ?" inquired Mr.Chalk, looking from one to the other.
"Message from Captain Brisket to go on board at once, or he won't be answerable for the consequences," replied Tredgold, in a thrilling whisper; "and, above all, to bring Mr.Chalk to quiet the men." Mr.Chalk turned a ghastly white.

"Is it mutiny ?" he faltered.
"Already ?" [Illustration: "'Is it mutiny ?' he faltered."] "Something o' the sort," said Stobell.
Despite his friend's great strength, Mr.Chalk for one moment almost brought him to a standstill.

Then, in a tremulous voice, he spoke of going to the police.
"We don't want the police," said Tredgold, sharply.

"If you're afraid, Chalk, you'd better go back and stay with the ladies while we settle the affair." Mr.Chalk flushed, and holding his head erect said no more.

Mr.Duckett and a waterman were waiting for them at the stairs, and, barely giving them time to jump in, pushed off and pulled with rapid strokes to the schooner.