Paul preceded and told the captain that they were coming and he could hear their complaints for himself.

At first the captain seemed inclined to bully the men and assert his authority; but the determined look caused him to change his mind, and he was very diplomatic in his treatment of them.
"Boys," he said, "I have sailed the seas for many a year and always like to treat my men well.

One thing I object to and that is murdering mates.

Now you are all in open mutiny and I am authorized by law to shoot you." Here the men laughed derisively.
"Now," he continued, "I am against bloodshed and I want to know just what you men want and what I can do for you." They looked at each other and to the one whom they regarded as leader.
He was a sturdy, powerful Scotchman who stepped forward and said: "If you were against bloodshed, why didn't you come out last night when the second mate tried to kill some of us.

We are willing to turn to again; but not under that hound.