They have joined us for various reasons, but would desert and become ugly in an instant, if they suspected we might turn them over to the authorities.
There is only one safe course for me to pursue under these conditions; let them decide by vote what should be done." "What do you imagine such a vote will show ?" "That the vessel be beached on some remote coast, all the spoils aboard divided, and then the crew permitted to go where they please.
There will be some who may prefer continuing the cruise before destroying the bark, but I believe there are enough fairly honest fellows among them eager to escape this sort of life, to control." "But the wretches below?
Surely you would not leave them to drown ?" "No; they would have to be released with the others, after the division had been made." "That would leave us at their mercy ?" "Yes," I whispered, "if we waited until that time.

I do not propose taking any such chance.

Here is my plan, and it seems the only feasible one left us.

We are helpless if these men revolt, and they certainly will unless given their own way.

I have no doubt but what their decision will be practically as I have outlined.