To be forewarned is to be forearmed, and I had no sooner divulged the
plan of the mutineers to the captain than Hartog began to consider how
we might meet the situation. Janstins, the pilot, the ship's carpenter,
and three of the crew we knew we could depend upon, and they were
instructed where to find arms and ammunition, and told to rally to us
aft at the first signs of mutiny. Having completed these arrangements,
Hartog's next step was to bring matters to a climax, for he argued
rightly there was nothing to be gained, and much might be lost, by
delay.
Stepping boldly upon his quarterdeck, he now issued his orders in his
old peremptory style, and, upon one of the crew not moving smartly, he
threatened him with a dozen at the ship's gratings. The man turned
insolently, and demanded to know to whom Hartog was speaking, while, at
the same moment Van Luck, who was standing near, remonstrated with the
captain on the man's behalf. I had never seen Hartog really roused
before. In two quick strides he was beside Van Luck, and picking him up
as easily as if he had been a child, he flung him from the poop on to
the deck below. At the same moment the mutineers made a rush aft, but
those who were loyal to us were before them, and we presented such a
formidable front that the rebels fell back, taking Van Luck with them.
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