“I do, certainly,” replied Mr Denning.
Mr Frewen and I were both silent; but at last the doctor spoke.
“What do you propose doing?” he said, rather huskily.
“That is what we are here to decide, and that quickly, for one or two of us must always be on deck. Can you suggest anything, either of you?”
No one spoke, and I felt that whoever did would feel like a judge condemning a man to death.
“Time is flying, gentlemen,” said the mate. “We must act, and the captain and I ask for your help to share this terrible responsibility; for whatever we do we shall have to answer for to the laws of our country.”
“Yes,” said Mr Frewen, solemnly, “and to our God.”
“Amen,” said Mr Denning, softly; and he walked into the cabin, and laid his hand upon that of Captain Berriman, both men gazing into each other’s eyes as if in their feeble state they might soon be called upon to answer the question what they had done with the talents committed to their charge.
Perhaps I was very weak then, and I ought to have been stronger and more manly; but my eyes grew very dim, and for some minutes I could not see what was going on.
Mr Frewen was the first to break the solemn silence.