'Well, you must be a fool,' said he, and he leaned his head upon his knees.
The captain stood biting his hands.
'There's one thing sure,' he said at last.

'I must get Huish out of that.

HE'S not fit to hold his end up with a man like you describe.' And he turned to go away.

The words had been quite simple; not so the tone; and the other was quick to catch it.
'Davis!' he cried, 'no! Don't do it.

Spare ME, and don't do it--spare yourself, and leave it alone--for God's sake, for your children's sake!' His voice rose to a passionate shrillness; another moment, and he might be overheard by their not distant victim.