"My uncle in his youth had led a wild life in the west; he was full of them." There was silence for a moment.

Then Kelly spoke again: "My time, gentlemen, is short." (A hacking cough interrupted him.) "I feel that I am withering.

It rests with you, gentlemen, whether or not I walk out of this room a free man." Transome Kent rose and walked over to the sailor.
"Mr.Kelly," he said, "here is my hand.".