Thus Phips's first dream came
to pass; he was now captain of a king's ship, with a roving commission.
The exact position of the wreck was unknown, and the untrustworthy
character of the crew added great difficulties to the undertaking. It
should be remembered, also, that diving-bells, diving-armor, and the
like, were then unknown. But the courage and indomitable perseverance
of Phips now came into play, and he had a capital chance to show the
stuff of which he was made.
Soon after they had sailed, the crew came aft, armed, and determined to
force Phips to yield to their wishes, which probably were that they
should all turn pirates. Without giving them time to deliberate, Phips
flew at their leader, hurled him to the deck and dispatched him on the
spot--a deed so prompt and daring that it awed the mutineers into
submission for the time. One who has never seen a mutiny at sea can
form but little idea of its desperate character, and the rapidity of
action and unflinching nerve required where men are shut up alone on
the wide ocean with a quarrel so deadly in its nature that no
compromise can be thought of for a moment, and no quarter can be
allowed with safety to him who gives it.
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