"Who do you mean?"
"That I can't say now! This person, however, believes that you will be very dangerous to my interests in the future. In other words, you are standing out for the foolish laws of the sea. If you persist in this stand, there can be only one finish to you."
"What finish is that?"
"You'll either be marooned on a barren island or tapped on the head and dropped overside. You can't expect to squeal on us."
"How about Eagan?"
"He saw and guessed too much, but he will not see what is coming. I have a plan to avoid the Bear and the other cutters. It will take us to strange seas and glorious coasts. We have seal pelts enough to make every man aboard rich; we can get more at Disko and Copper Island. All hands shall share alike, and spread to the four winds."
Stirling saw the drift of the little skipper's argument. He was offering a bribe for silence and coöperation. "I'll never change my views," he said, stoutly. "You can't get away with that raid or the pelts. Right will beat you. Public opinion is the strongest force I know. You have been moving contrary to it."
Marr rose from the bunk and glanced at the door, outside of which the sentry was pacing energetically back and forth. "You're doomed," whispered the skipper. "I gave you a chance. This person cannot help you. You'd better consider the matter carefully."
The captain's tone had changed; he was far too sure of himself to suit Stirling. It was possible that he would not be allowed to see the dawn.
"Who is this person who is interested in me?" asked Stirling with candour. "Whitehouse?"