'We may do better than that,' said Helga.
'You're for supposing that they ain't going to keep a bright look-out, mate,' said Abraham. 'See here! What good's to be done, these here hands you'll find equal to,' smiting first his left, then his right knuckles; 'but s'elp me Moses I'm not here to be killed. Them chaps are born knife-stickers. Touch one, and you're groaning at your length on deck, with a mortal wound in your witals. And if what we do ain't complete—if so be they're wan too many for us—and it's eleven to three, remember that, mate—what's to happen? Ask yourself the question! For the lady's sake, I'm for caution.'
'We must not remain debating here,' said I. 'They believe us sincere. There are eyes watching us, as Miss Nielsen says. This holding a council is not going to reassure them. If you object to keeping a look-out, Abraham, I'll take charge.'
'I will keep you company,' said Helga.
'No, no!' cried Abraham. 'It's moy watch, and Oi'll keep it.'
He went clumsily, and with a bewildered manner, to the companion-steps.
'I'll remain along wi' ye, Abey,' said Jacob. 'Arter what I saw, as I stood at the wheel—the poor chap's cry—the way they chucked him overboard——' He buried his eyes in his coat-sleeve. 'The cussed murderers!' he exclaimed, lifting his face, and looking savagely around.
'Come!' cried Abraham, 'if ye mean to come! What's your temper agoing to do for us?'
'I'll relieve you at four o'clock,' said I, looking at the timepiece, the hands of which stood at a quarter before two.
The men went on deck, and turning down the lamp—for the revelation of the light served as a violent irritant to the nerves on top of the fancy of the secret, fiery-eyed observation of us without—I seated myself beside Helga on a locker to whisper and to think.