You see, they daren't let you go.

If you were to get to one of the English ports here we should have five or six of your men-of-war after us in no time.
"If it was not for that I don't suppose the captain would object to put you ashore.

He has evidently taken a fancy to you, and is pleased with the way in which you have taken things and with your smartness and willingness.

Beside, I don't think he considers you altogether as a prisoner.

Running you down in the way we did in the channel wasn't like capturing you in a prize, and I think if the captain could see his way to letting you go without risk to himself he would do it.