The others of the select crew he had been talking to followed him and came about us. The crowd was quickly swelled; before Tom could fairly answer, the whole of the convicts on the poop were swarming aft to the wheel, near which we stood, to hear what was said.
Tom, standing erect, folded his arms upon his convict shirt and, gazing fixedly at the prize-fighter, said: ‘I’ll not counsel you. I accept no responsibility where life is concerned. That was understood.’
‘You cad give us ad idea?’
Tom shook his head. ‘You have put this ship into my hands and I’ll carry her where you will,’ said he. ‘I’ve got no ideas outside that.’
I heard some murmurs as of grumbling, and some of the ugly faces looked savage.
‘You may growl as you please,’ said Tom, running his eyes angrily along the crowd of felons. ‘I’ve agreed to undertake as much as you have a right to expect. In agreeing to take charge, I convert myself into head criminal aboard you here; and of you all, I’m the surest to be hanged if we’re taken. Act as you please. Do what you like. My part’s big enough, isn’t it?’
‘Yar might just answer a question!’ exclaimed a convict.
‘You want to turn the people below adrift,’ said Tom to Abram. ‘Do so.’
Mr. Bates looked at the sultry, breathless expanse of ocean; I caught his eye and witnessed horror and consternation in it.
‘How bany boats are we to give ’eb?’ said Abram.