But, paralyzed by fear, the wretched
captive remained immovable, staring at the struggling men. With the
strength of desperation Hurlstone at last forced the Captain down upon
his knees.
"Listen, Captain! We'll go together--you understand. I'll help you--but
we must get a larger boat first--you know."
"But they won't give it," said Captain Bunker mysteriously. "Didn't you
hear the Council--the owners--the underwriters say: 'He lost his ship,
he's ruined and disgraced, for rum, all for rum!' And we want rum, you
know, and it's all over there, in the Excelsior's locker!"
"Yes, yes," said Hurlstone soothingly; "but there's more in the bigger
boat. Come with me. We'll let the man loose, and we'll make him show us
his bigger boat."
It was an unfortunate suggestion; for the Captain, who had listened with
an insane chuckle, and allowed himself to be taken lightly by the
hand, again caught sight of the prostrate fisherman. A yell broke from
him--his former frenzy returned. With a cry of "Treachery! all hands on
deck!" he threw off Hurlstone and rushed into the water.
"Help!" cried the young man, springing after him, "It is madness. He
will kill himself!"
The water was shallow, they were both wading, they both reached the boat
at the same time; but the Captain had scrambled into the stern-sheets,
and cast loose the painter, as Hurlstone once more threw his arms about
him.
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