CHAPTER XIII
“WHO WILL STAY?”
The decision was a momentous one. It might be death to remain on the ship, but to a landsman it seemed still more perilous to embark on an angry sea in a frail boat.
The passengers looked at each other in doubt and perplexity.
They had but fifteen minutes in which to make up their minds.
The mate stood by, his face and manner serious and thoughtful.
“Mr. Holdfast,” said Mr. Stubbs, “do you agree with the captain that it is our best course to take to the boats?”
“I should prefer to try the ship a little longer. I say so with diffidence, since the captain has a longer experience than I.”
“I don’t think much of your judgment, Mr. Holdfast,” said Captain Hill, in a tone of contempt.
The mate’s face flushed—not so much at the words as the tone.