"I know you well enough now. You are a rebel and a traitor; and what I said of Coles I say of you,—that you are the greatest villain that ever went unhung."
"I don't like that kind of language, Mr. Somers," replied Pillgrim, with entire coolness and self-possession. "It isn't the kind of language which one gentleman should apply to another."
"Gentleman!" said Somers, with curling lip; "I applied it to a rebel and a traitor."
"In the present instance it is mutiny. I am your superior officer."
"You are out of place; you don't belong here."
"Your place is on the quarter deck of the Ben Nevis; and perhaps it will be when she goes into commission as a Confederate cruiser."
"Never!" exclaimed Somers, with energy.
"My dear Mr. Somers, be prudent. Some of the officers might hear you."
"I don't care if they all hear me."
"You talk and act like a boy, Somers. I beg you to consider that your neck and mine are in the same noose. If I hang, you hang with me."