“Then you don’t believe in that Italian law?” said the captain, with a chuckle.
“Which Italian law do you mean?” said Brace, staring.
“Well, Roman-Latin then, if you like. It’s all the same, isn’t it—old Italian Lex talionis. That means, serve out the chap who has served you out, don’t it?”
“Something of the kind,” said Brace, smiling. “No, I don’t want to take revenge on those who are perhaps innocent.”
“Just as you like, sir,” said the captain, rather gruffly; “though I don’t see where the innocence comes in. But, setting aside taking revenge, I suppose you won’t mind helping to defend the vessel if some of these fellows should come off in their canoes to attack us?”
“Why, of course not,” said Brace warmly. “You know I would do my best.”
“To be sure I do, squire,” said the captain, smiling. “Well, then, suppose you go and help Dellow and Lynton, and I daresay Mr Briscoe will join you as well.”
“Certainly, captain,” said the American: “a few shots now may give the Indians a lesson, and save us from having to fire hundreds later on. Perhaps it will be the means of preventing them from molesting us again.”
“But is anyone to remain with my brother?” said Brace.
“He wants no watching, my lad. He’s best left alone. You can come down now and again to have a look at him.”