The Sea-Wolf

Larsen talks with the men who came aboard with Maud Brewster. They were previously on the mail steamer City of Tokyo bound for Yokohama. Instead of bringing them to the port, however, Larsen determines to use the men to supplement his crew. As Johnson and Leach are discovered, Humphrey asks Larsen what he intends to do to them, and Larsen implies that he has “all the crew I want” (143) with the new additions from City of Tokyo. Humphrey threatens vengeance if Larsen harms Johnson and Leach, at which Larsen is amused, and he proposes a contract: He promises not to “lay my hands upon Leach and Johnson” (143) if Humphrey promises not to kill him. Humphrey agrees.

With Leach’s and Johnson’s boat directly beside them, Larsen gives orders for the Ghost to proceed. The small boat falls behind, but thanks to Johnson’s expert seamanship, they manage to catch up. Larsen taunts them, saying, “You want to come abroad, eh? Well, then, just keep a-coming” (145), yet he does nothing to help them come aboard. He teases the two runaways and stays just beyond their reach. Aghast, Humphrey talks with Louis about possibly forming an alliance should Larsen do anything especially reckless.