By daylight the prisoners were nearly dead with thirst, but not a drop of water was allowed them.
The captain made his round of inspection at seven o'clock, and Allen asked if they were to be allowed to have anything to eat or drink.
"No. You will get a rope round your necks soon, and it won't matter whether you are hungry or not."
"But, sir, you have no right——"
"Stay, there! You are a rebel and have forfeited all right to be considered in the matter."
Eben listened to the insulting words, and he was in such a position that he was able to drag his iron bar right across the captain's path.
As the officer stepped back he tripped over the iron and fell sprawling on the deck.
"Beg your pardon, captain, but I am not accustomed to move about with a bar of iron on my leg, so couldn't tell where it was going to land."
Eben spoke so seriously that even the captain thought it might have been an accident; so, after cursing the young Vermonter, he left the place.
Then Eben laughed heartily.