"Be seated, gentlemen," said Calamity, himself taking a chair. "I have brought you here," he went on, "to witness the signature of a document which this man has written. He will read it over first, and when I tell you that every word is absolutely confidential, I feel sure you will both observe the strictest secrecy. At least," he added significantly, "it will be to your advantage to do so."
The two witnesses murmured assent and settled themselves down to listen. Then, at a nod from the Captain, Fritz picked up the paper and began to read. At the start, the engineer and the second-mate looked mildly surprised, but as the man read on their expressions changed to amazement and they stared from the reader to Calamity with looks of mingled incredulity and awed wonder. At length the prisoner, having finished reading the document, laid it on the table and signed it.
"Blimey!" muttered Smith under his breath.
"A michty quare business," remarked McPhulach.
"Now, gentlemen," said Calamity, "I will ask you to append your signatures as witnesses of this interesting confession."
Smith picked up the pen, and, after a preparatory flourish, signed his name. Then he handed the pen to McPhulach, who took it somewhat gingerly.
"I'm no incurrin' ony liabeelity?" he asked cautiously.
"None whatever," answered the Captain.
"I dinna hauld wi' signing papers mesel'," went on the engineer, "it's producteeve of unco——"
"Are you going to sign that paper or not?" interrupted the Captain.