Of course, such a state of affairs as this could not help but be bad for the ship and all on board.
The crew might mutiny.
Frank was the first to notice it, and said to Randall:
“I am afraid that idea is going to make trouble. Even the captain has the foolish fancy.”
“You are right,” agreed Randall, “and it has worried me not a little. What ought we to do about it?”
“Is there any way in which we can dispel the illusion?”
“I can think of no way save to call them to quarters and have the captain tell them what the real errand of the Scorcher is.”
“Will they believe it?”
“Perhaps not, but I see no other way.”
“Very well.”