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“Has the Court no alternative course?” I asked.

“None. It must acquit, or convict and condemn to death.”

“But supposing, sir, that there are extenuating circumstances,” Morrison added. “Supposing that a mutiny arises in a ship, as it did in ours, where a part of the company have no knowledge of any intention to seize the vessel, and who take no part in the seizure?”

“If they remain in the vessel with the mutinous party, the law considers them equally guilty with the others. Our martial law is very severe in this matter. The man who stands neuter is considered an offender with him who lifts his hand against his captain.”

“But there were some of us, sir,” Coleman added, earnestly, “who would gladly have gone with Captain Bligh when his party was driven from the ship into the launch. We were retained against our will by the mutineers, who had need of our services.”

“Such a situation calls for special consideration by the Court and will doubtless receive it,” Mr. Graham replied. “If the men so retained can prove their innocence of any complicity, they stand in no danger.”