Spencer said nothing.

``Is there any word you would like to offer in your own defense?''

Spencer shook his head.

Alexander said, ``Answer me properly, Spencer.''

Spencer was quiet for a moment longer, then he said, ``There is nothing I want to say, Captain.''

``Very well.'' Alexander walked away. Naval procedure, he thought, had its moments of grim humor. Philip Spencer had cold-bloodedly planned the murder of his captain, yet it seemed in order to chide him for a lapse of proper address.

During the morning hours, it became clear that the arrest of Spencer was having no sobering effect upon the men of the Somers. Those named in the Greek paper were manufacturing reasons to steal aft under pretence of some call of duty, so as to be near Spencer, watching an opportunity to communicate with him. Hostile glances were flashed at both Alexander and Gansevoort. The two met in the Captain's cabin.

``What is the next step, Captain?''

``More arrests, I fear.''

In your opinion, who is this E. Andrews on the 'certain' list ``?

``Cromwell, of course. He is the oldest and most experienced of the lot. He saw the dangers, not the glories of being identified as a mutineer. Somehow he talked Spencer into letting him use another name.''

There was a tap at the door and Oliver entered with the word that Heiser wished to see the Captain.

``Have him come in.''

Heiser, breathless and wild-eyed, brought the chilling news that the handspikes, heavers and holystones had been mysteriously removed from their customary places.