“But can we not keep the men down until you are able to run into some port?”
“When we have run into the region of calms. No, sir, even if we had favourable winds we are horribly short-handed, and I should not dare to make much sail for fear of a change, and being unable to reduce it.”
“But that is not the point, doctor,” said the captain, in a feeble voice; “those scoundrels are certain to make a desperate effort to break out before many hours have passed, and if they do, I fear that you gentlemen will be too humane to back up Mr Brymer and the men.”
“But—” began Mr Preddle.
“Pray understand, gentlemen, that I do not doubt your courage,” said the captain.
“Nor I, gentlemen,” cried Mr Brymer, warmly. “You have to a man—and boy,” he added hastily as he glanced at me—“proved how I can trust you; but there is not one of you who would not shrink, and naturally too, from shooting down one of our enemies. Am I not right?”
“I’m afraid so,” replied Mr Frewen, gravely. “Even Mr Denning would shrink from the stern necessity.”
I glanced at Mr Denning, and saw him wince.
“Then you will agree with Captain Berriman and me that some very stern measures must be taken?”
“Yes,” said Mr Preddle.