“It was only one or two as did that; we didn’t wreck the ship, or join in the attack as was made on you, sir,” said Sullivan.
“I am glad to hear it. What do you want now?”
“We want you and the others to come over here again, and we’ll go back to our duty,” answered Gott.
“And what about the mutineers?” asked the captain.
“There was but a few of they, and they was mostly killed in the scrimmage.”
“Indeed! were Bostock and Van Ryk killed, may I ask?”
There was no answer. The skipper repeated his question, and then Shirley said sullenly, “I don’t know as they was.”
“Very good. Van Ryk was the man who ran the ship on the reef; Mr Rivers saw him do it. Bostock fired deliberately at Mr Vander Heyden; I saw him do it. I don’t want to inquire too closely what others may have done, but these two are clearly guilty. If they are put into irons and brought over here, together with all the arms in your possession, we will return to the ship, and when help comes, no proceedings will be taken against anybody, except the two prisoners. These are the only terms I shall offer you. I shall expect to receive an answer in an hour or two.”
The men, after exchanging a few words, sullenly withdrew. The captain, and McCarthy, who had been chosen to accompany the skipper, because the men are always unwilling to hurt the doctor, also beat a hasty retreat, and informed their companions what had passed.
“Do you think they will give in, sir?” asked Whittaker.