I would have pleaded with Hartog, even then, to spare Van Luck from
being cast adrift upon the sea, but I knew no word of mine would change
his purpose. Besides, an example must be made, and in the rough life we
led the administration of justice was the prerogative of the captain
alone. A boat was therefore prepared, three days' provisions were
placed on board of her, and Van Luck was sent upon what promised to be
his last voyage.
For as long as the boat remained in sight we could see that the
castaway made no effort, either with the sail or the oars, to shape a
course in any direction. He appeared to have abandoned hope, and to
have made up his mind to let the wind and the waves carry him
whithersoever they would. At length the boat appeared but a speck upon
the ocean, and finally it vanished beyond the horizon.
For some time after the quelling of the mutiny Hartog maintained strict
discipline among officers and crew, issuing his orders in the
peremptory manner of one accustomed to command, and seldom speaking to
any except upon matters connected with the ship. But when order was
restored his mood changed, and we resumed our friendly chats together
in the cabin.
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