As soon as morning broke I determined to reconnoitre.

Cautiously removing the barricade, I opened the cabin door and stole up the companion ladder.

Arrived at the top I peered cautiously over and saw the mutineers sitting by the forward hatch, drinking.

They were altogether four in number--Colliver, Railton, a seaman called Rogerson, who had lately been punished by Captain Holding for sleeping when on watch, and the cook, a Chinaman.
Rogerson was not with the rest, but had hold of the wheel and was steering.

The vessel at the time was sailing under crowded canvas before a stiff sou'-westerly breeze.