"None o' that, sir," said the giant, sternly. "Are there any others on board besides yourself?"
"Not that I know of," answered Denman, with forced calmness. "The crew had not joined when I went to sleep. What do you intend to do with me?"
He had seen man after man approach from forward, and now a listening group surrounded him.
"That's for you to decide, sir. If you will renounce your official position, we will put you on parole; if you will not, you will be confined below decks until we are ready to leave this craft. All we want is our liberty."
"How do you intend to get it? Every warship in the world will chase this boat."
"There is not a craft in the world that can catch her," rejoined Jenkins; "but that is beside the point. Will you go on parole, sir, or in irons?"
"How many are there in this party?"
"Thirteen—all told; and that, too, is beside the point. Answer quickly, sir. I am needed at the wheel."
"I accept your offer," said Denman, "because I want fresh air, and nothing will be gained in honor and integrity in my resisting you. However, I shall not assist you in any way. Even if I see you going to destruction, I shall not warn you."
"That is enough, sir," answered Jenkins. "You give your word of honor, do you, as an American naval officer, not to interfere with the working of this boat or the movements of her crew until after we have left her?"