“Orders from whom?”
“From my owners.”
“Your owners! What possible interest could your owners have in shipping me aboard while I was unconscious? Who are they?”
“Hanways, of Newcastle.”
“And what ship is this?”
“The Petrel, of Newcastle.”
“Bound for where?”
“No,” he replied. “I’ve strict orders to keep you confined in the cabin, to treat you as well as your behaviour will allow, and to tell you nothing.”
“Well, captain, you’re a sensible man, and surely you’ll listen to reason.”
“What reason? I’ve got my orders. That’s enough for me.”