It so happened that the sharp
point of the marlin-spike struck the wooden floor of the bridge, and
it penetrated the planking with such force that after it had fetched
to a standstill it vibrated violently for long seconds.
I confess that I failed to observe a tithe of what occurred during
the next several minutes. Piece together as I will, after the event,
I know that I missed much of what took place. I know that the men
aloft in the mizzen descended to the deck, but I never saw them
descend. I know that the second mate emptied the chambers of his
revolver, but I did not hear all the shots. I know that Lars Johnson
left the wheel, and on his broken leg, rebroken and not yet really
mended, limped and scuttled across the poop, down the ladder, and
gained for'ard. I know he must have limped and scuttled on that bad
leg of his; I know that I must have seen him; and yet I swear that I
have no impression of seeing him.
I do know that I heard the rush of feet of men from for'ard along the
main deck. And I do know that I saw Mr.
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