“What do you want to fight us for?” he asked, suddenly.
Lingard started.
“I don't,” he said; “I wouldn't be asking you.”
“There's no saying what you would do, Captain,” replied Carter; “it isn't twenty-four hours since you wanted to shoot me.”
“I only said I would, rather than let you go raising trouble for me,” explained Lingard.
“One night isn't like another,” mumbled Carter, “but how am I to know? It seems to me you are making trouble for yourself as fast as you can.”
“Well, supposing I am,” said Lingard with sudden gloominess. “Would your men fight if I armed them properly?”
“What—for you or for themselves?” asked Carter.
“For the woman,” burst out Lingard. “You forget there's a woman on board. I don't care that for their carcases.”
Carter pondered conscientiously.