"The third time may not fail."
"It may not; but I must be as magnanimous as you were. Sampson, release the gentleman."
"Thank you, Captain Passford; that is no more than I did for you when you were in the same situation."
"But I suppose you will not undertake to capture this ship after I have done as well by you as you did by me. I intend to treat you like a gentleman, though the fortunes of war are against you. Now, perhaps you will not object to answering a question or two, in which there can be no treason."
"I must be my own judge of the questions," replied the major, rather haughtily.
"Certainly, sir; and I shall not insist upon your answering any question. Was any one on board of the Vampire killed in this affair?"
"No one was killed."
"Were any wounded?"
"I am sorry to say that three were injured by the falling of the pieces of the walking-beam."
"Seriously?"