"Gentlemen," he announced, "the lord of battles and of spring flowers and breezes is displeased with us. He is taking this method to punish us as we deserve. Yet in that punishment we shall find pardon, too. Though we suffer now, we shall know joy when this life is ended."
Somehow, the speech stirred up resentment in the minds of the hearers.
"Could any death be more glorious?" demanded the seaman. "We are blessed with the privilege of serving as our own sacrifices!"
"The poor chap's mind is going first," whispered Mr. Farnum, pityingly, to Captain Jack.
"I don't understand what he's talking about," whispered Benson.
"Don't be surprised at that. Neither does he know," muttered Jacob
Farnum.
"Are you jesting or mocking," broke in Henderson, half-angrily, "at the very moment when you should be getting ready for the glory of giving the last gasp of despair?"
"Give the last gasp, if you want to," retorted Eph, with savage irony, "and let us sit here in peace."
"Can anyone think," suggested Jack, "of any possible place in which we have not yet looked for that wrench?"
"I'm—too—tired to—think," drowsed Hal.