However as you offer me the alternative I am ready to take any oath you like of silence, and that oath I will assuredly keep whatever pressure may be laid upon me, it being understood of course that the oath in no way prevents my taking any opportunity that may present itself of making my escape." "That is quite understood," the captain said.

"That is a mere matter of business.

You try to escape if you can; I shoot you if I catch you at it.

But I do not think you are likely to succeed.

But in justice to my employers and friends I should not be justified in running even that slight risk unless convinced that if you succeed you will keep silence as to this.