“W-what?”
stutters the Captain. “Now?”
“Is
there a better time?” Phoebe replies. “After all, the siren has
already sung for the night.”
The
Captain returns to the deck to inform his family and remaining crew
of the turn of events. There is some confusion to begin with,
followed by more than a little consternation from his wife, but
Briggs stamps his foot, asserts his authority and everybody falls
into line.
The
life boat is quickly lowered into the water, with enough food and
water for two days. The Captain, his family and crew are soon on
board, manacles in place. Phoebe checks their restraints to make
sure they'll hold, then pockets the key. The Captain begins to
protest, but she silences him with a look. She then ties a sturdy
rope to the prow of the boat, then tells them to “Row for the
distance of a half cable, that should be far enough.”
