Part 29 (2/2)
”Richard Tretheway!”
”Ah, you are English?”
”Yes.”
”How long since you were there?”
”Eight years.”
”Why have you kept away from your home so long?”
”For private reasons.”
”Ah!” he said eagerly, and he looked at me keenly. ”One of us, eh?
Stand up, Richard Tretheway.”
I stood up. Tall as he was, I was taller, and broader too, for that part. The Trewinions have ever been a race of giants.
”What do you wish us to do with you?” he said at length.
”I'm not anxious.”
”Then you don't mind walking the plank?”
”It won't matter much. I must die some time, and I've not much to live for.”
The captain's eyes sparkled.
”What do you think of us?” he said at length.
I looked at our crew, who were evidently to be sent away to die. I thought of our officers who had only a few minutes before been condemned to death, and I said savagely:
”I think you are bloodthirsty villains--demons out of h.e.l.l.”
He laughed a mirthless, cruel laugh, while the crew demanded my death.
”What would you do if you had us in your power?”
”Hang you.”
”Why?”
”To rid the earth of such a crew.”
”Let him walk the plank,” cried the men.
But the captain was more forbearing.
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