``Well,'' Heiser ventured, ``why don't we hold an investigation with questioning and'' --

``That would be worse than useless,'' Alexander broke in. ``There is not space to hold or force to guard any increased number of prisoners. Besides, suppose we hold a court of inquiry, then what? Then we have informed a large number of our crew that when they reach the United States, they will be punished but that in the meanwhile, they may run loose and are expected to perform their jobs in good order. Mr. Heiser, does this sound like a truly workable plan to you? Do you not think these men might choose the black flag here and now?''

Wales said, ``Of course they would. They are about to do so at any moment as it is. All that is needed is for one man to feel self-confident enough to take the lead. As soon as that one man is appointed by himself or the others or by a signal from Spencer, we are going to be rushed. We are going to be rushed and murdered.''

``That is extravagant language, Mr. Wales. We are not going to be rushed and murdered,'' Alexander said. ``We are going to bring the Somers into New York harbor safe and sound.''

``Of course, I agree with the Captain,'' Gansevoort said thoughtfully, ``but the conspiracy is ferocious and desperate. The instinct of discipline has been lost. Anything is possible when anarchy has the upper hand.'' He paused, then added, ``Everything on a ship is a weapon. Implements of wood and iron are available for close and hasty combat no matter where a man stands. And we are positive of so few and suspicious of so many.''