Morrel Releases His Crew
Deeply moved, Morrel thanks the sailors and magnanimously tells them they are free to seek another employer, since he has no more ships. The announcement startles Penelon, who nearly chokes on his tobacco. When Morrel explains that he cannot even afford to build new vessels, the men offer to “scud under bare poles” and wait for him—refusing outright to abandon him. Unable to bear their devotion, Morrel begs them to leave, entrusting them to Emmanuel and Cocles to ensure his orders are carried out. The seamen file out, still hoping to see their old master again.
The Englishman Offers a Reprieve
With the sailors gone, Morrel turns to the silent clerk of Thomson & French, who has observed the entire scene unobserved. The stranger declares that this fresh, undeserved blow only increases his wish to be useful, and reveals that he is one of Morrel’s largest creditors, with bills that will be the first to fall due. When Morrel speaks of a delay saving both his honor and his life, the Englishman asks how much time he needs, opening the door to negotiation.
Three Months of Grace
Morrel requests a delay of two months; the stranger magnanimously grants three. He takes full responsibility for obtaining Thomson & French’s consent, and since the date is June 5th, the bills are renewed to September 5th at eleven o’clock—the very hour the clock now points to. Morrel, dazed with gratitude, promises either to pay or to be dead by that date, a whisper the stranger does not hear. The bills are exchanged and the old ones destroyed, leaving Morrel with a brief reprieve in which to gather his resources. The phlegmatic Englishman accepts his host’s thanks and is escorted toward the staircase.
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