first mate and the carpenter and the cabin-boy, for he knew that in the event of a fight he had only these three to rely on. He distributed amongst these three any firearms or sharp weapons he had. He himself kept two pistols and an old gun of little value, and he gave another pistol to his wife.
He spent most of his time on the bridge, and he could be seen there night and day. His wife brought his meals to him there, and the mate came there to report. Things were going from bad to worse amongst the crew. The Captain was certain that they would attack him and the mate if they thought they had a chance of success.
The Captain remained on the bridge holding the wheel and eagerly scanning the horizon for another ship.
By this time they were very far from Ireland, heading south under full sail. Maire Bán would often come to him on the bridge, and, despite his anxiety, he would put her sitting on a box near by and chat gaily with her. She did not think that any father could be so gentle and kind and no father could be such a good story-teller. He told her fairy-tales that were far better than those in the school-books. When, however, the mate came to speak with him he would cut the story short, and would frown and
