Rutherford wakes from a deep sleep when he feels the barrel of a pistol pressed against his stomach. The pistol is held by Peter Cringle, the Republic's first mate and quartermaster surrounded by a crew of rough-looking sailors, all in favor of throwing him overboard. Cringle orders Rutherford to his feet and he does not hesitate to obey his order since Cringle seems the most agreeable member of the crew. Cringle is tall and pale; he stands erect and presents himself as a gentleman, from his polished shoes to his wrinkle-free shirt. He informs Rutherford that he has less than one minute to explain what he is doing aboard the ship. Rutherford removes Squibb's papers from his coat, hands them to Cringle and tells him he is ready to report.....
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