Come, sir, you go first." He looked at me, now puzzled and alarmed.
"I am unarmed," he said.
"It is no fight," I answered.

Then I turned to Barbara.

"Go and sit in the stern," I said, "and cover your face with your hands." "Simon, Simon," she moaned, but she obeyed me, and threw herself down, burying her face in her hands.

I turned to the king.
"How will you die, sir ?" said I quietly, and, as I believe, in a civil manner.
A sudden shout rang in my ears.

I would not look away from him, lest he should spring on me or fling himself from the boat.