“No; it is difficult,” replied the first lieutenant; “but it cannot be passed over.”
“The man evidently meant to escape, but repented on seeing a fellow-creature drowning, and saved his life. Well, that’s a good trait in his character, Staples. Black and savage though he is, the man must have good qualities. I’m afraid it was a mistake to keep the two poor fellows on board.”
“Hasn’t turned out well so far, sir,” said the first lieutenant, gruffly. “There, sir, it’s for you to settle about the punishment. Something must be done.”
“The plus seems to me to balance the minus, Staples,” said the captain. “I want to do something, but these poor savages cannot understand.” Then to the men gathered below, “Look here, my lads, with respect to this affray—”
“Beg pardon, sir,” came from forward.
“Who’s that?” said the captain, sternly. “How dare you interrupt!”
“Axing your pardon, sir, Joe Dance, sir, coxswain fust cutter.”
“Well, what is it, sir?”
“I only wanted to say, sir, as I was down below, and I kep’ on saying to the lads, sir, as was a teasing the niggers—”
“The blacks, my man,” said the captain, sharply.