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Hands were immediately turned to the pumps, and orders were given that other men should bail at the hatchways. Presently the grating over the roundhouse scuttle was unlocked and the master-at-arms entered with a lantern. He quickly unshackled Coleman, Norman, and McIntosh, and ordered them on deck to lend a hand. We begged the master-at-arms to release all of us, but he gave no heed, and when he had gone out with the three men the iron grating was replaced and locked as before.

Some of the prisoners now began to rave and curse like madmen, wrenching at their chains in the vain effort to break them. At this time Edwards appeared at the scuttle and sternly ordered us to be silent.

“For God’s sake, unshackle us, sir!” Muspratt called. “Give us a chance for our lives!”

“Silence! Do you hear me?” Edwards replied; then, to the master-at-arms, who stood beside him by the scuttle: “Mr. Jackson, I hold you responsible for the prisoners. They are not to be loosed without my orders.”

“Let us bear a hand at the pumps, sir,” Morrison called, earnestly.