Sir Humphrey frowned as he looked the American and his man over, and then turned to his brother, who shrugged his shoulders and smiled.
“What do you think about this?” said Sir Humphrey.
“Don’t ask me, Free,” replied the young man. “I have a strong leaning towards mercy.”
“But we don’t like this man well enough to make him our companion.”
“No, but he may improve,” said Brace.
“He may get worse,” said Sir Humphrey shortly.
“I hope not,” said Brace. “You see, we’re started, and it would be horrible to go back. We can’t set him ashore.”
“Impossible!” said Sir Humphrey decisively.
“Very well then, we must take him.”
“It seems as if there is no alternative,” said Sir Humphrey, frowning. “We cannot allow the captain to set him ashore.”