‘Would you not embrace such a proposal,’ said Fanny, ‘as should restore your wife to your bosom, and your children to your arms.’
The man started—his Herculean proportions assuming an attitude that would have struck an artist with admiration. His head was erect, his eyes bent eagerly upon the captain, and his form seemed to be at least a half a head taller than before. In a moment more his head dropped again as if the spirit that had actuated him for a moment had passed away, and he even doubted that he had heard aright. Relapsing into his former state, he made no reply to the question that had so moved him.
‘Say, prisoner,’ continued Fanny, ‘would you again see those you have left in your native land—your home, your wife and children, and those you love?’
‘I shall meet them in Heaven,’ was the calm reply.
‘And is it loyalty to thy king that has incited thee to this mistaken course?’ asked Fanny.
‘What else could actuate a British sailor?’
‘Unbind him!’ said Fanny to the guard, who stood by his side.
‘Do I command this vessel?’ asked Fanny, rising and drawing her naked sword, and grasping it for action.
‘Certainly, sir.’ said one of the men, ‘but your honor, we———’
‘Do you hear, fellows? Unbind him!’