Noll looked furtively toward the door. "I've allus said he'd a knife for
me.... He'll be on my back, one day...." He was trembling, and he poured
a drink and swallowed it. Faith, sitting near him, looked up, looked at
Dan'l, then bent her head over her book again. Dan'l said:
"I think it's wise to put him in irons."
Noll roared: "Then do it, Mr. Tobey. Don't come whining to me with your
little matters. I'm an old man, Dan'l.... I'm weary and old.... Settle
such things.... That's the business of a mate, Mr. Tobey...."
Faith said quietly, without looking up: "Why make so much talk? Mr.
Brander has explained what happened."
The men were silent for an instant, surprised and uneasy. Dan'l looked
at the captain; Noll's head was bent. Dan'l ventured to say:
"You think Mr. Brander is right?"
"Of course."