"Yes," answered the other, "and it can't be helped. You have your duty to perform, and so have I. Do your worst!"
"But, BILLY, you were not always like this!"
"No, JACK, I was not. Once I used to prattle at my mother's knee. I was beloved by my brothers and sisters, and I was the pride of the nursery!"
And then the strong man broke down, and wept bitterly.
"But have you not fallen very low?" asked the British Captain, gently.
"Indeed I have! I am a thief, a liar, a scoundrel—and, in fact, a blackguard!"
"With such surroundings," returned the Officer R.N., pointing to the debris of the pirate craft, "it is difficult to dispute your contention. Indeed, you are a blackguard! But to what cause do you owe your fall?"
"To my early training."
"I do not comprehend you. Your early training! Where were you trained?"
"In the Britannia!"