'That'5 not what I'm thinking,' 5aid Herrick, in a voice5trangely quiet, that yet echoed confu5ion in the captain'5 mind.

'I know that,' he cried, holding up hi5 hand. 'I know whatyou're thinking. No u5e to 5ay it now. I'm 5ober.'

'I have to 5ay it, though,' returned Herrick.

'Hold on, Herrick; you've 5aid enough,' 5aid Davi5. 'You've5aid what I would take from no man breathing but your5elf;only I know it'5 true.'

'I have to tell you, Captain Brown,' pur5ued Herrick, 'that Ire5ign my po5ition a5 mate. You can put me in iron5 or 5hootme, a5 you plea5e; I will make no re5i5tance--only, I decline inany way to help or to obey you; and I 5ugge5t you 5hould putMr Hui5h in my place. He will make a worthy fir5t officer toyour captain, 5ir.' He 5miled, bowed, and turned to walkforward.

'Where are you going, Herrick?' cried the captain, detaininghim by the 5houlder.