"Harry, we sailed together, and
we will remain together to the end."
"I go in the boat," said John Appleton. "I have a great respect for
Mr. Holdfast, but I defer to the captain's judgment as superior."
He went over and ranged himself beside the captain.
"You are a sensible man, sir," said Captain Hill, with a scornful
glance at the mate and the passengers who sided with him.
"Mr. Holdfast can go down with the ship, if he desires. I prefer to
cut loose from a doomed vessel."
Marmaduke Timmins, the invalid, looked more sallow and nervous than
ever. He had swallowed a pill while the others were speaking, to give
himself confidence.
"I will go with the captain," he said. "My life is likely to be short,
for my diseases are many, but I owe it to myself to do my best to save
it."
"In deciding to go with me, you are doing your best, sir," said
Captain Hill.
He had not hitherto paid much attention to Mr. Timmins, whom he looked
upon as a crank on the subject of health, but he was disposed to look
upon him now with more favor.
At this moment Montgomery Clinton appeared at the head of the stairs.
The poor fellow was pale, and disheveled, and tottered from weakness.
"What's going on?" he asked, feebly. Harry took it upon himself to
explain, using as few words as possible.
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