"No, my lord."
"Will you point out where the Britannia was wrecked?"
"Certainly not."
"Ayrton," said Glenarvan, in almost a suppliant tone, "will you, at least, if you know where Captain Grant is, tell his poor children, who are only waiting for a word from your lips?"
The quartermaster hesitated; his features quivered; but, in a low voice, he muttered:
"I cannot, my lord."
Then, as if he reproached himself for a moment's weakness, he added, angrily:
"No, I will not speak! Hang me if you will!"
"Hang, then!" cried Glenarvan, overcome by a sudden feeling of indignation.
But finally controlling himself, he said, in a grave voice: