"Thank Heaven, no. They simply miscalculated how much in the way of food and drink they needed. Though we didn't know that at first. No, we all looked, with a face much as yours is now. The captain, seeing no threat from a distance, gave the order that we move close enough to call over. And being a man of some breeding, he of course spoke French." Gibbs tries to sound a bit contemptuous of such things, but clearly has a certain respect for this captain.

"One of the mates replied, and told a sorry tale of starvation and thirst. And the captain was left facing a terrible choice."