‘I look upon it as an important duty,’ was the reply.
‘It may be so,’ said Channing, musing.
‘Unquestionably.’
‘And this poor fellow must be hanged?’ said the captain.
‘So we have decided,’ said Lovell.
‘It is a fearful thing, William, thus coolly to take a human life. Who would have thought that mine would ever be the hand, or that I should ever issue the order that should deprive a human being of life. I declare honestly to you that I am hardly equal to the cold blooded deed.’
‘Nay, courage, Fanny,’ said Lovell, (they were alone in the cabin,) ‘you have done nobly thus far, now carry out the affair as it should be done.’
‘And will this be a noble deed?’
‘It is always noble to do our duty.’
‘There is no reprieve, then?