Let's hope they made some of them pay dearly for their work." A short inspection below showed that the barque's planking was crushed in, and that she was hopelessly damaged, even if she could have been got off, so soon after Mr Brooke gave the word to return to the boat.
"I shall not touch the fire," he said.

"If the captain has any wishes the boat can return.

For my part I should say, let her burn." The captain listened with his brow contracted to Mr Brooke's recital, when we were back on board; I being close at hand, ready to answer a few questions as well.
"Yes, let her burn," said the captain; and then he turned his back to us, but seemed to recollect himself directly, for he turned again.
"Thank you, Mr Brooke," he said.

"Very clear and concise.

You could not have done better." Then turning to the first lieutenant, he said in a low voice-- "Reardon, I'm at my wit's end.