A sudden access of muttering, on his part, reached Mr.Pike's ear, and Mr.Pike, instantly keen as a wild animal, his paw in the act of striking O'Sullivan, whipped out like a revolver shot, "What's that ?" Then he noted the sense-struck face of O'Sullivan and withheld the blow.

"Bug- house," Mr.Pike commented.
Involuntarily I had glanced to see if Captain West was on the poop, and found that we were hidden from the poop by the 'midship house.
Mr.Pike, taking no notice of the man who lay groaning on the deck, stood over Larry, who was likewise groaning.

The rest of the sprawling men were on their feet, subdued and respectful.

I, too, was respectful of this terrific, aged figure of a man.

The exhibition had quite convinced me of the verity of his earlier driving and killing days.
"Who's the old stiff now ?" he demanded.
"'Tis me, sir," Larry moaned contritely.
"Get up!" Larry got up without any difficulty at all.
"Now get for'ard to the windlass! The rest of you!" And they went, sullenly, shamblingly, like the cowed brutes they were..