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Purcell, although a larger man than Bligh, had little of the latter’s inner fire and strength. Bligh was thoroughly roused; and had the carpenter tried to make good his boast, one or the other of them would, I am convinced, have been killed—and I have little doubt as to which would have been the victim. But Purcell made a complete about-face, and ran from his pursuer, who halted and gazed after him, breathing rapidly.

“Come back, Mr. Purcell!” he cried. “You have even less spirit than I gave you credit for! Come here, sir! ... Now then; do you retract what you have said?”

“Yes, sir,” Purcell replied.

“Very well,” said Bligh. “Let me have no more of your insolence in the future. Get about your work.”

It is to Bligh’s credit that he never afterwards mentioned this incident. As for the carpenter, he was willing enough to have it forever put out of mind. He had, I believe, flattered himself that he was a match for his commander. From this time on, the relations of the two men were on a better footing.