Of course
there are stupid accidents. And even then one needn't be very angry.
What is it to be deprived of life? It's soon done. But what would you
think of the feelings of a man who should have had his life stolen from
him? Cheated out of it, I say!"
He ceased abruptly, and remained still long enough for the astonished
Powell to stammer out an indistinct: "What do you mean? I don't
understand." Then, with a low 'Good-night' glided a few steps, and sank
through the shadow of the companion into the lamplight below which did
not reach higher than the turn of the staircase.
The strange words, the cautious tone, the whole person left a strong
uneasiness in the mind of Mr. Powell. He started walking the poop in
great mental confusion. He felt all adrift. This was funny talk and no
mistake. And this cautious low tone as though he were watched by someone
was more than funny. The young second officer hesitated to break the
established rule of every ship's discipline; but at last could not resist
the temptation of getting hold of some other human being, and spoke to
the man at the wheel.
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