"Hang them and scuttle her," said Captain Cathie, with decision.
"That is one's natural first feeling, and possibly it would be the wisest thing in the end. And yet——"
"It is a question if we are justified in going that length," said Charles Evans gravely.
Stuart, too, shook his head doubtfully.
"Fighting in so good a cause is one thing," he said slowly, "but hanging in cold blood is another."
"Exactly," said Blair. "And that is the point of my dilemma."
"Do you know what will happen if you let 'em go?" said Cathie brusquely.
"I'm afraid I do, captain. And yet—even then—— You mean, of course, that they'll come back in larger force, and with a double incentive—plunder plus revenge."
"That's it to a T, sir, and you know it. There'll be no peace and security till they're wiped out. Wipe 'em out at once and completely, and you're all right till a new lot comes along, knowing nothing of these others, except that they never came back. And when the new lot comes we'll tackle them same way. I'm not by nature a bloodthirsty man, but if there's one thing can set me afire, it's this kind of work. I've seen so much of it. They're not men. They're scum of hell—asking your pardon, ladies!"
"Speak your mind, captain," said Aunt Jannet Harvey. "No good being mealy-mouthed when it's a question of life and death. I think they should be scuttled."