Silence, man! Raising the light toward the figure before him. Speak! Be you man, devil or angel! Speak!
The figure advanced.
I am neither man or angel, but the charge of devil may apply.
What? what are you doing here? said Powers.
Feeding these unfortunate men, and preparing them for the ordeal they have got to go through.
Cora, are you not aware that this is beneath the dignity of your station, and a violation of the laws of the ship?
Lieutenant, are the laws of the ship above the laws of humanity? and God’s laws? that command us to visit those who are in prison, the sick and afflicted? Shame, brother, shame, that anything in the form of a man, or in the image of God should be treated thus—ironed to the floor, and stifled with bad air.
Cora, you must leave here. Mr. Wallace, will you escort her on deck? This interview must close.
When is our trial to come off? asked Tom Jones.
That I can’t say, replied the Lieutenant. But it is improper to talk about it here. When the time comes, you will be notified.