She said thoughtfully: "Noll, you're the master of this ship. Old
Jonathan Felt put her in your charge. You are responsible for her....
And that puts certain obligations on you, Noll. An obligation to be
wise, and to be prudent, and to be brave...."
He came back and sat down beside her. She touched his knee. "You are
like a king, aboard here, Noll. And--the king can do no wrong. I would
not go to Mauger, if I were you. You made a mistake; but there is no
need you should humble yourself before the men. They would not
understand; they would only despise you, Noll."