"We were led astray by that man Bothwell, sir. He promised there would be no bloodshed. We're sorry, sir."
"I don't doubt it," the Englishman assented dryly.
"Begging your pardon, sir, we asks to be taken back and punished by you. Whatever you give us we'll take and not a word out of our heads. Say a flogging and we'll thank you kindly, sir. But don't turn us over to the law."
"Didn't I tell you what would come of it, Gallagher?"
"Yes, sir; you warned us straight. But that man Bothwell had us bewitched."
"If you're taken ashore at Panama you'll be hanged."
"We know that, sir."
Blythe considered for a minute and announced his decision sharply.
"I'll give you another chance—you two and Higgins and young Fleming. I'll not let you off scot-free, but your punishment will depend on how faithful you are for the rest of the cruise."
Once I saw a man acquitted of murder in a courtroom. The verdict was such a relief that he fainted. The captain's unexpected clemency took these men the same way, for virtually he had untied the noose from their necks. Tears started to their eyes. Plainly they were shaken with emotion.