Caught in a rent of the sail, the officer slipped and fell near the sharp iron edge of the hatchway.

As he fell he caught Israel by the most terrible part in which mortality can be grappled.

Insane with pain, Israel dashed his adversary's skull against the sharp iron.

The officer's hold relaxed, but himself stiffened.

Israel made for the helmsman, who as yet knew not the issue of the late tussle.