And I suppose you are
the man I've known the longest in the world.' That's how he used to
speak to me. Can I turn my back on him? He has turned his back on his
ship; that's what it has come to. He has no one now but his old
Franklin. But what's a fellow to do to put things back as they were and
should be. Should be--I say!"
His starting eyes had a terrible fixity. Mr. Powell's irresistible
thought, "he resembles a boiled lobster in distress," was followed by
annoyance. "Good Lord," he said, "you don't mean to hint that Captain
Anthony has fallen into bad company. What is it you want to save him
from?"
"I do mean it," affirmed the mate, and the very absurdity of the
statement made it impressive--because it seemed so absolutely audacious.
"Well, you have a cheek," said young Powell, feeling mentally helpless.
"I have a notion the captain would half kill you if he were to know how
you carry on."
"And welcome," uttered the fervently devoted Franklin. "I am willing, if
he would only clear the ship afterwards of that . . . You are but a
youngster and you may go and tell him what you like.
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