"I am sorry to do it, but it is necessary for me to remind you again that your fate is in my hands; that a word from me would subject you to a trial by court martial for treason, and probably to more hemp rope than would feel good about your neck."
"Though I don't think I am in so much danger as you represent, I will grant your position."
"Don't grant it, if you think it is not correct;" and Mr. Pillgrim minutely detailed the evidence which could be brought to bear against him.
Somers appeared to be overwhelmed by this array of testimony. He groaned, looked hopeless, and finally granted the traitor's position in full.
"I am in your power. Do with me as you will. Of course the moment I put my foot on a rebel deck I am ruined."
"You can do as you please about going into the Confederate service. What I want of you will not compromise you as a loyal man in the slightest degree."
"What do you want of me?"
"Not quite so loud, if you please, Mr. Somers," said the lieutenant, glancing at the door. "To me, Somers, you have been a thorn. You lost me the Snowden, and the valuable cargo of the Theban."
"I only did my duty," pleaded Somers.
"Bah! don't use that word to me again. Through you a fortune slipped through my fingers. I should have got the Snowden into Wilmington, if you had not meddled with the matter. I have lost eighty thousand dollars by you."