human
Now, sir, said Mr Brymer, firmly,
gpt
No, said the captain, in a voice hardly above a whisper.
human
You must act now, and firmly, before there is loss of life on our side.
gpt
That means then, said Mr Frewen,
human
Of course,
gpt
My practice is always to save life if I can, Mr Denning, said the doctor, sadly.
human
Are you not too hard and revengeful?
gpt
Neither, sir, replied Mr Denning, sternly.
human
If I were alone I would say nothing, but I have my sister to protect, and I say that at any cost these ruffians must not leave that place alive.
gpt
Yes, Mr Denning is quite right, said Mr Preddle, in his highly-pitched voice.
human
I hate all this, and I am not a fighting man; but I know that I shall fire on the first wretch who tries to break out without a qualm.
gpt
You hear, Mr Frewen, said the mate;
human
I am forced by circumstances to take very strong measures.
gpt
That may mean the death of several of those misguided men?
human
I fear so, sir. But Captain Berriman agrees with me that it is our duty, unless we like to well provision a boat and leave the ship.
gpt
But that would be a terrible alternative,
human
Terrible, sir; and a cowardly and unfaithful one to the owners of the vessel.
gpt
But can we not keep the men down until you are able to run into some port?
human
When we have run into the region of calms. No, sir, even if we had favourable winds we are horribly short-handed, and I should not dare to make much sail for fear of a change, and being unable to reduce it.
gpt
But that is not the point, doctor, said the captain, in a feeble voice;
human
But--
gpt
Pray understand, gentlemen, that I do not doubt your courage,
human
Nor I, gentlemen, cried Mr Brymer, warmly.
gpt
You have to a man--and boy, he added hastily as he glanced at me--
human
I'm afraid so, replied Mr Frewen, gravely.
gpt
Even Mr Denning would shrink from the stern necessity.
human
Then you will agree with Captain Berriman and me that some very stern measures must be taken?
gpt
Yes,
human
I do, certainly,
gpt
What do you propose doing?
human
That is what we are here to decide, and that quickly, for one or two of us must always be on deck. Can you suggest anything, either of you?
gpt
Time is flying, gentlemen, said the mate.
human
We must act, and the captain and I ask for your help to share this terrible responsibility; for whatever we do we shall have to answer for to the laws of our country.
gpt
Yes, said Mr Frewen, solemnly,
human
Amen,