What in God's name could he do?
Could he denounce Wardour to Captain Helding on bare suspicion--without so much as the shadow of a proof to justify what he said?
The captain would decline to insult one of his officers by even mentioning the monstrous accusation to him.

The captain would conclude, as others had already concluded, that Crayford's mind was giving way under stress of cold and privation.

No hope--literally, no hope now, but in the numbers of the expedition.

Officers and men, they all liked Frank.

As long as they could stir hand or foot, they would help him on the way--they would see that no harm came to him.
The word of command was given; the door was thrown open; the hut emptied rapidly.