"I do; and if you are not blown up in half a minute, you may thank Captain Walmsley for his moderation."
"He is not villain enough to destroy the lives of forty men, his own people as well as mine, to gratify your malice and revenge. I give you my word and honor that he will do nothing of the kind."
Pillgrim looked hard at him, and seemed to be slightly disconcerted by the obstinacy of Somers.
"If he will not, I will!" said he, fiercely.
"I purpose to put you in irons, when you have said all you have to say."
"In irons, Somers!" exclaimed the traitor, springing to his feet, his face flushed with indignation.
"Since you are open enough to announce your intentions, it is plainly my duty to defeat them. Acknowledge that your plot to blow up the vessel is a mere scare, and I may spare you this indignity."
"You will find that it is a reality."
"Why don't it blow up, then?"
"It will, as soon as Captain Walmsley is ready. The Ben Nevis shall not again go into a Yankee port as a prize. Mark my words."