Bax was going to have said unavoidable, but he felt that the expression would have been incorrect, and stopped.
“Finish your remark,” said Denham.
“I merely wished to say that it was out of my power to prevent it.”
“Oh!” interjected Denham, sarcastically, as he read the letters. “The seamen’s missionary is one of whom I know nothing. His opinion, therefore, carries no weight. As to my nephew, his remarks are simply unworthy of notice. But you say that no blame attaches to you. To whom then does blame attach, if not to the skipper of the vessel? Do you mean to lay it at the door of Providence?”
“No, sir, I do not,” replied Bax.
“Have you, then, the presumption to insinuate that it lies with me?”
Bax was silent.
“Am I to expect an answer?” said Denham.
“I make no insinuations,” said Bax, after a short pause; “I do but state facts. If the ‘Nancy’ had been fitted with a new tops’l-yard and jib-boom, as I advised last summer, I would have carried her safe into the Downs.”
“So,” said Denham, in a tone of increasing sarcasm, “you have the hardihood to insinuate that it was my fault?”