But I can tell you this, my dear fellow?
if you should whisper the first word of what has passed between us to-night, you might fall overboard," continued Shuffles, sharply, as he laid his hand on his companion's shoulder.
Wilton grasped the sheet of the fore-topmast staysail which was the nearest rope to him, and held on as though he was then in imminent danger of "falling overboard accidentally." "I won't say a word," protested he, vehemently; for he did not know but that Shuffles was wicked enough to push him into the sea.
"Wilton, you are a fool!" added the disappointed conspirator, with deep disgust.

"Why didn't you say what I told you ?" "I don't want to be bound in any such way as that," replied the terrified student.
"Don't you see it is only a form ?" "No, I don't; or if it is, I don't want anything to do with such forms.
You won't get any fellows to be toggled in that way." "Yes, I shall?
I shall get plenty of them.

They are not babies, like you." "I'm not a baby." "Yes, you are--a great calf! What are you afraid of ?" "I'm not afraid; I didn't think you meant to have any murder in your Chain." "I don't; no fellow will think of such a thing as betraying one of the secrets." "Then what's the use of having such a penalty ?" "It will prevent any fellow from opening his mouth when he ought to keep it shut." "I don't want anything to do with a concern that means murder.

I'm not any better than I should be, but I'm too good for that." "Suit yourself; but remember, if you should happen to say a word, you will fall overboard accidentally, some night when you are on the lookout, or out on the yard-arm." "Two bells," said Wilton, greatly relieved to hear them, for he did not like to stand any longer on the top-gallant forecastle, where there was no railing, with such a dangerous fellow as Shuffles proved to be.
Two other members of the watch were sent forward to take their places.
Wilton and Shuffles went down and mingled with their shipmates, who were talking about what they should do and what they should see in Ireland, where the ship would first make a harbor.

Wilton breathed easier, and the topic was a more agreeable one than the dark and terrible matter which had been under discussion on the top-gallant forecastle.
Shuffles was disappointed by the scruples of his generally unscrupulous companion.