Somers groaned, for he could not see where his vindication was to come from.
"You seem to understand your situation, and at the same time you appear to be quite willing to throw yourself into the fire. Let me call your attention to the fact that fire will burn."
"Better burn or hang, than be a traitor."
"Be reasonable, Somers. I do not propose to ask anything of you which will compromise your position in the navy; but I repeat, you are mine."
"I don't understand you."
"I have told you my secret. You know that I am in the Confederate service; that I have fitted out a vessel to cruise for Yankee ships. I am willing you should know this, for you dare not violate my confidence."
"Perhaps I dare."
"If you do, you are a dead man."
"Will you kill me?"
"If necessary."