Now, I'll back away.

I'm going up the ladder backward, and when I go out I intend to shove in place the grating that covers the entrance to the deck there.

You can escape in five minutes, of course, but by that time I'll be off the ship and among the bushes out of your reach.

Oh, I know it's humiliating, captain, but you've had your way a long time, and the slaver's trade is not a nice one.

The ghosts of the blacks whom you have caused to die must haunt you some time, captain, and since your schooner is lost you'll now have a chance to turn to a better business.