ON BOARD OF THE SNAPPER Christy could not help seeing that a great change had come over the manner of Captain Flanger, especially in his repeated declarations that he did not intend to kill his prisoner.

His thirst for revenge could hardly have abated as the effect of his cups passed off, and it was evident to the victim of the outrage that some other influence had been brought to bear upon him.

It did not seem possible to him that Percy Pierson could have modified his vindictive nature to this degree.
The young man's father could not fail to see the peril of the step his son was taking, though he appeared not to have been able to resist the temptation to get rid of such an active enemy as Christy had proved himself to be.

It looked plain enough to the victim, as he considered the situation, that Colonel Pierson's influence had produced the change in the intentions of Captain Flanger.

If the prisoner were brutally treated, and especially if his life were taken, it would make the breach of neutrality so much the more flagrant.
"Help the young cub on board," said the captain, as he went up the accommodation ladder, followed by Percy.
With his wrists fettered with a pair of handcuffs, Christy needed assistance to mount the vessel's side.