The point you have to figure on, is whether
you'll take the big chances of that Captain Trent
making the place before you, or take the risk of
something happening. I'm to run this ship to your
satisfaction," he added, with an ugly sneer. "Well,
here's a point for the supercargo."
"Captain," I returned, with my heart in my mouth, "risk
is better than certain failure."
"Life is all risk, Mr. Dodd," he remarked. "But
there's one thing: it's now or never; in half an hour
Archdeacon Gabriel couldn't lay her to, if he came
down-stairs on purpose."
"All right," said I; "let's run."
"Run goes," said he; and with that he fell to
breakfast, and passed half an hour in stowing away pie,
and devoutly wishing himself back in San Francisco.
When we came on deck again, he took the wheel from
Johnson--it appears they could trust none among the
hands--and I stood close beside him, feeling safe in
this proximity, and tasting a fearful joy from our
surroundings and the consciousness of my decision. The
breeze had already risen, and as it tore over our
heads, it uttered at times a long hooting note that
sent my heart into my boots.
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