 went away. During the remainder of the day
Augustus had no opportunity of speaking with him privately.
 

                                  Chapter VII

July 10th. - Spoke a brig from Rio, bound to Norfolk. Weather hazy, with a light
baffling wind from the eastward. To-day Hartman Rogers died, having been
attacked on the eighth with spasms after drinking a glass of grog. This man was
of the cook's party, and one upon whom Peters placed his main reliance. He told
Augustus that he believed the mate had poisoned him, and that he expected, if he
did not be on the lookout, his own turn would come shortly. There were now only
himself, Jones, and the cook belonging to his own gang - on the other side there
were five. He had spoken to Jones about taking the command from the mate; but
the project having been coolly received, he had been deterred from pressing the
matter any further, or from saying any thing to the cook. It was well, as it
happened, that he was so prudent, for in the afternoon the cook expressed his
determination of siding with the mate, and went over formally to that party;
while Jones took an opportunity of quarrelling with Peters, and hinted that he
would let the mate know of the plan in agitation. There was now, evidently, no
time to be lost, and Peters expressed his determination of attempting to take
the vessel at all hazards, provided Augustus would lend him his aid. My friend
at once assured him of his willingness to enter into any plan for that purpose,
and, thinking the opportunity a favorable one, made known the fact of my being
on board. At this the hybrid was not more astonished than delighted, as he had
no reliance whatever upon Jones, whom he already considered as belonging to the
party of the mate. They went below immediately, when Augustus called to me by
name, and Peters and myself were soon made acquainted. It was agreed that we
should attempt to retake the vessel upon the first good opportunity, leaving
Jones altogether out of our councils. In the event of success, we were to run
the brig into the first port that offered, and deliver her up. The desertion of
his party had frustrated Peters' design of going into the Pacific - an adventure
which could not be accomplished without a crew, and he depended upon either
getting acquitted upon trial, on the score of insanity (which he solemnly
averred had actuated him in lending his aid to the mutiny), or upon obtaining a
pardon, if found guilty, through the representations of Augustus
