“Then it is narrowed down to a question of expediency, whether it is better to risk instant death or the more lingering fate of two years under the deep sea.”
“Exactly,” agreed Frank. “If we explode the dynamite now the boat may fill and sink in ten minutes. There is the chance.”
“Humph!” said Hartley. “If we have got to die it may as well be now as two years from now.”
Frank glanced around the little circle inquiringly.
“What do the rest of you say?” he asked. “Shall we accept the chance?”
“Put it to ballot,” said Hartley.
“Agreed!”
Clifford made out some ballots and handed them around. They were marked and thrown on the table.
Hartley counted them.
His face wore an indescribable expression as he looked up and said: