to do is to work like men, for our own sakes, for the sake of the
women, and for the sake of wives and children at home. Some of you
have these, I know. It is not for me, now that we are in such a
strait, to say, do this, or do that; although under any circumstances
I shall insist upon discipline and order. I can't make you work, and
therefore I submit for your approval the plan I think best for general
safety. Have any of you a better one to propose?"
"No, no!" was the unanimous cry.
"Very well; then we'll determine upon this. And for the better
carrying out of our design, I appoint Mr. Marvel second in command. He
is first mate now. If any thing happens to me, you will look to him.
When the raft is made, and safely launched--if it please God that it
shall be so--we will set down necessary rules for all on board. Until
that time there is but one rule--to work. Every man on board must
work--passengers and all; and every man must aid me in preserving
order."
The captain's manly speech infused hope into every heart; and
exclamations of "Good!" "Bravo skipper!" "Well said, sir!" followed
his last words.
"One other thing," he said, in a more determined voice: "to my certain
knowledge, we have unfortunately among us two men who have endeavored
to spread dissatisfaction and add to our confusion. I will not point
out these men; they are known to me and all of you. They are men,
though, as we are, so far as the value of life to each of us goes; and
it is only fair that they should have equal chances with us. But this
I declare, by my dear wife's life! If these men do not work, and if
they attempt any thing that is not for the general good, I will shoot
them with my own hand! Now then, to the deck!"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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