In a few moments the captain had made out the signal, which was, "How do you succeed?" and exclaimed:
"Mr. Howe, make the answer that we don't succeed at all—no advantage on either side; that our ammunition is getting scarce; and that——. Why don't you start, sir?" he shouted, seeing that Mr. Howe did not move.
"Captain," faltered the man, in a scarcely audible voice, "I should be very happy, sir; very glad, indeed, sir; but—, but—"
"No remarks, sir, but do as you are ordered, instantly."
"Really, captain, I—, I—"
The man could go no further, but stood trembling like a leaf, with the utmost terror depicted in every feature.
"You're a coward, sir!" shouted the captain, in a terrible rage—"a mean, contemptible coward."
"I know it, sir," replied the man, so terrified that he scarcely knew what he was saying; "but the fact is"——