Harris appeared to threaten him.

What he said we could not hear for the deep-drawn blast and the high staccato crackle of the blazing hold.

But we saw the staggering steward offering him a drink; saw the glass flung next instant in the captain's face, the blood running, a pistol drawn, fired without effect, and snatched away by the drunken mutineer.

Next instant a smooth black cane was raining blow after blow on the man's head.

He dropped; the blows fell thick and heavy as before.