“With the men it would be easy enough, but not with their leader, a scoundrel who feels that he is fighting with penal servitude before him, perhaps the halter! But, Mr Frewen, these are no times for being humane. No; that hatch shall not be opened.”
“But I will stand ready, after telling the men what I am going to do, and if they will keep away while the hatch is open there can be no rush.”
“I think differently, sir,” said Mr Brymer, coldly.
“I agree with Mr Brymer, sir,” said Mr Denning, “that it would be madness.”
“But you agree with me, Mr Preddle?” cried the doctor, excitedly.
“No, I don’t, Mr Frewen,” came in Mr Preddle’s high-pitched voice. “I don’t like men to suffer, but I won’t give my vote for you to go down into that wild beasts’ cage.”
Mr Frewen laughed bitterly, and turned to me.
“What do you say, fellow-prisoner?” he cried.
“I shall vote against Mr Frewen being allowed to go down,” I said sturdily. “We want your help more than they do.”
“Bravo! my lad,” cried Mr Brymer.