If you have any grievances come out like men and give them to the captain." "Oh, we have nothing to say against you or the captain," responded the leader, "but we have determined to die before we turn to under that man again." Paul requested the men to keep calm and cool and he would speak to the captain who, during this interval, had slipped back to the cabin to arm himself.

Paul advised the captain, as he met him coming out of the cabin with a revolver in each hand, not to go to the men in that shape.
"I am sure those men are determined.

Their bloodshot eyes and frenzied manner convince me that they have not slept a wink during the watch below and have deliberately planned this outbreak and mean mischief.

I cannot guarantee that my watch will not join them as they are all heartily sick of the second mate's inhumanity." The captain thought it over for a few minutes and said, "You go forward and find out what they want." When Paul returned to the forecastle he informed the men that the captain was anxious to hear their complaint and see that they were righted, and advised them to walk aft in a body and speak for themselves, assuring them at the same time that they would receive justice.

After some hesitation they agreed to go aft.