“A minute and a half more,” he said. “Shall you or I pull the string?”
“I will pull it,” said Muller.
He was kneeling down and holding the end in his hand. Flannigan stood behind with his arms folded, and an air of grim resolution upon his face.
I could stand it no longer. My nervous system seemed to give way in a moment.
“Stop!” I screamed, springing to my feet. “Stop, misguided and unprincipled men!”
They both staggered backward. I fancy they thought I was a spirit, with the moonlight streaming down upon my pale face.
I was brave enough now. I had gone too far to retreat.
“Cain was damned!” I cried, “and he slew but one; would you have the blood of two hundred upon your souls?”
“He’s mad!” said Flannigan. “Time’s up! Let it off, Muller.”
I sprang down upon the deck.