"That is right. But stay; the officers must have precedence, even over the wounded."
When Tempest left the captain's cabin, Orne remarked, sotto voce:
"That young man will never return alive."
"Perhaps not; but I want to try his mettle."
"He is brave."
"Ay, as brave as any man who ever trod a deck."
In the first boatload Tempest sent from the British ship was Captain Dacres.
As the defeated captain entered the victor's cabin he unclasped his sword from his hip and handed it silently to Captain Hull.
The American put it gently back.
"No, no, captain; I'll not take a sword from one who knows so well how to use it. But I will trouble you for that hat."