经过长久的沉默以后，船长又开口了，他说：

　　So I had difficulty deciding, he said.

　　因此，我迟疑不决，

　　But I concluded that my personal interests could be reconciled with that natural compassion to which every human being has a right.

　　但是我认为，我的利益是能够与人类天生的那种同情心相一致的。

　　Since fate has brought you here, you'll stay aboard my vessel.

　　既然命运把你们送到这里来，你们就留在我的船上吧。

　　You'll be free here, and in exchange for that freedom, moreover totally related to it, I'll lay on you just one condition.

　　你们在船上是自由的，但为了换得这种自由—毕竟是相对的自由，我要你们答应我一个条件，

　　Your word that you'll submit to it will be sufficient.

　　你们只要口头上答应就可以了。

　　Go on, sir, I replied. I assume this condition is one an honest man can accept?

　　先生，您说吧，我答，我想这条件一定是一个正直的人可以接受的条件。

　　Yes, sir. Just this. It's possible that certain unforeseen events may force me to confine you to your cabins for some hours, or even for some days as the case may be.

　　是的，先生，条件是这样。可能因为某种意外的事件，我不得不把你们关在你们住的舱房里，关上几小时，或是关上几天。

　　Since I prefer never to use violence, I expect from you in such a case, even more than in any other, your unquestioning obedience.

　　我决不愿使用暴力，我希望你们在这种情况下，在任何其它情况下也一样，要绝对服从。

　　By acting in this way, I shield you from complicity, I absolve you of all responsibility, since I myself make it impossible for you to see what you aren't meant to see.

　　这样做，一切都由我负责，与你们丝毫无关，因为我不要你们看见你们所不应度看的。

　　Do you accept this condition?

　　你们能接受这条件吗？