Again Ben nodded.
"Let us go to him," said Picton.
Ben wondered at his taking it so calmly, but he knew the strain must be great. They went to Ben's cabin.
"Glovey's inside; I'll send him out," said Ben.
When the man was gone Picton stepped inside and looked at his brother with tears in his eyes.
"What a wreck, Ben; it's awful."
Captain Ben turned away his head. There are some things worse than death to look upon, cause more sorrow and pain.
Hector lay on his back. His face told a tale of misery such as few care to hear, and none to suffer.
"Leave me, Ben; I'd rather bear this alone; I may get used to it in time," said Picton in a hollow voice.
Ben put his hand on the younger man's shoulder for a moment, then went out of the cabin; he never wished to feel again as he felt then, in the whole course of his life. Picton watched Hector, heard his ravings, shuddered at them, and wondered how it were possible for a man to suffer so much and live. He stayed there over two hours, and what his thoughts were during that time no one knew; there was, however, throughout, one predominant resolve: Hector should never go back to Dartmoor. He would sooner see him dead; it would be more merciful. What roused Picton was the thought of the woman who had done this thing; he held her responsible. She was older than Hector, a woman subtle, versed in the wiles of the world, and she had lured him to destruction. If ever a woman should suffer she ought. He wondered how she would feel if she stood where he stood now, looking down at the awful disaster of this man's life. Would she smile? She might; he thought she would; he believed at that moment she was the worst woman he had ever heard of. She must pay the penalty sooner or later; no atonement on her part could wash out that. These thoughts stifled him; he opened the door for fresh air. Ben's cabin was on deck; as the light streamed in Hector awoke. Before Picton realized what had happened his brother sprang from the berth, rushed past him, and had Abe Glovey not caught him round the waist would have flung himself overboard.