When he procured the order, he went to his cabin, took off his coat, wound the rope round his body, and then, putting on his coat, placed the flattened bladders under it and buttoned it up, slipping the turn-screw up his sleeve, and then proceeded to the prisoner's cabin.
The sentry at once admitted him, on producing the admiral's order.
Richard Horton was lying down on his berth, and started with surprise as his visitor entered.
"I am glad you have come to see me, James Walsham, for I have been wishing to speak to you, and I thought you would come.

I have been thinking much for the last two days.

I know that it is all up with me.
The proofs are too strong, and I will not face a court martial, for I have the means--I know I may tell you safely--of avoiding it.

The hour that brings me news that the court is ordered to assemble, I cease to live.
"When a man is at that point, he sees things more clearly, perhaps, than he did before.

I know that I have wronged you, and, when the admiral said that you had done all in your power to shield me, I felt more humiliated than I did when that fatal letter was produced.