“I could not wait,” he said, “and I found the rope would bear me. Now, Strong, how do matters stand?”
The captain explained the position.
“And the men—down below deck?”
“No,” said the captain bitterly; “half the poor fellows died like men—no, like sheep,” he cried excitedly, “for they had no weapons but the capstan bars. The other half were sent afloat in one of the boats, I suppose, and one of the praus kept firing at them till they got beyond reach.”
“Ha!” ejaculated the mate.
“Now go down and talk with the major. Poor Morgan is helpless?”
“Yes, quite.”
“Well, ask the major if he will stand by me. There are only two courses open. We must either try and retake the ship or escape at once before morning.”
“Which do you think is best, Strong?” said Mr Gregory huskily.
“I’m pulled two ways, Gregory. I want to save my ship; but, on the other hand, there is the thought of these helpless women and our position if we should fail.”