The Betrayal of Steelkilt
The Betrayal of Steelkilt Steelkilt proposes a final violent breakout with the two Canallers, but the pair secretly conspire to be first out so they can be first to surrender. When Steelkilt dozes, they bind and gag him, then shriek for the captain. He and his officers burst into the forecastle, and the treacherous allies drag their bound leader topside to claim credit for delivering a would-be murderer.
The Captain’s Fury
The Captain’s Fury The captain is enraged by the betrayal and the mocking voice that defied him, pacing the deck before the three men, who are collared and dragged about like dead cattle before being seized into the mizzen rigging. He compares them to vultures and declares that even vultures would not touch them, then separates the rebels from the loyal sailors to deal out judgment.
The Flogging of the Traitors
The Flogging of the Traitors The captain gives the captured rebels only a reprimand for their timely surrender, but turns on the two traitors in the rigging with a rope, lashing them cruelly until they hang their heads lifelessly. He spares them further punishment only because his wrist is sprained, turning instead to interrogate the exhausted Steelkilt, whose jaw has been cramped by the gag.
Steelkilt’s Threat to the Captain
Steelkilt’s Threat to the Captain In a tremulous hiss, Steelkilt warns the captain: “if you flog me, I murder you.” The captain draws back the rope to strike, but Steelkilt hisses another warning, “Best not,” and the captain, after two or three nervous paces across the deck, drops the rope and orders the exhausted ringleader cut down.
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