BIMBO (sharply)
Only such as we shall not be ashamed to sell to honest folk. We shall not touch your father’s molasses. If he was a poor man and what we levied from him deeply injurious to his business, we should take up a gathering, or collection, for him.
LYDIA
You mock us!
BIMBO (to the Gunner, gloomily)
If no one will give you credit for it, what is the good of a good action?
THE GUNNER (gloomily)
Aye! What’s the use?
BIMBO (to Lydia)
Now, look ye: In all our ventures from first to last, never once have we took our toll of poor seafaring bodies that we did not pass the hat for ’em, and every man of our crew from captain to cook’s helper put in something to make life brighter and give our captives hope when we sent ’em on their way to begin their business over again. If your father had been a poor man—and of better morals—and if what we levy of his cargo sorely crippled his hope to make a living, we’d do as much for him. As it is, it’s not to be looked for.
LYDIA (anxiously)
But will you let us go?
BIMBO
Why, if what a merchant captain and his crew must expect from us is to be stripped of all and mishandled, we’d have a fine business of it! They’d strain twice as hard to outsail us, and fight to death afore we could board ’em. There’s ruffians in every business that make it harder for the good, practical men to make it pay; but you shouldn’t judge us by the exceptions just because the exceptions get more talked about.
LYDIA (eagerly and hopefully)
Then you’ll put us back aboard our own ship and let us go?
BIMBO
I didn’t say that.
LYDIA (crestfallen)
Oh!