Pagina 391 di 416

"Well, now, in a private racing agreement between gentlemen, if

both vessels are registered and rated seaworthy, nothing that

happens to one can be laid to the other unless, as in the present

case, one deliberately damages the other. The principal

punishment is a moral one administered by the former friends of

the dishonest man, but the victim can collect money damages.

Naturally the insurance company will change its charge so as to

accuse Nat instead of you.

"They have a proven case against him already, and he will have to

pay them nearly all they gave you--so that, in the end, he really

pays you for the damage he did that day. Then, I understand, he

is going to pay an amount to the family of each man who lost his

life in the May, on condition that they will never sue him."

"Whee-ew!" whistled Code. "When he gets through he won't have

much money left, I guess."