Here, you!" turning to the three below.

"What do you mean by this?
Put down that knife, you lubber! Do you want to be put in irons?
Over the side with you, you swabs! Git!" He began descending the ladder.

Whether the sailors were merely too surprised to resist, or because they recognized the authority of the deep sea in Captain Elisha's voice and face is a question.

At any rate, as he descended they backed away.
"Mutiny on board a ship of mine ?" roared the captain.

"What do you mean by it?
Why, I'll have you tied up and put on bread and water.