"On board!" echoed the captain, his fists closed, his eyes sparkling.
He had seized an axe, and he now raised it over Pen's head.
"Wretch!" he cried.
The doctor rushed between the captain and Pen; the axe fell to the ground, its sharp edge sinking into the flooring. Johnson, Bell, and Simpson were grouped round Hatteras, and appeared determined to give him their support. But lamentable and plaintive voices came from the beds.
"Some fire! Give us some fire!" cried the poor fellows.
Hatteras made an effort, and said calmly:
"If we destroy the brig, how shall we get back to England?"
"We might burn some of the rigging and the gunwale, sir," said Johnson.
"Besides, we should still have the boats left," answered Shandon; "and we could build a smaller vessel with the remains of the old one!"
"Never!" answered Hatteras.