He offered them the chance to leave, if they abandoned Black Marvel. While the other Slingers wanted to leave Black Marvel to this fate, Hornet was able to forgive the old man, and convinced the others to help free Black Marvel.
He gave them a choice to escape, should they abandon Black Marvel. Despite the other Slingers desiring to let Black Marvel suffer this fate alone, Hornet managed to forgive the old man and convinced the rest to aid in rescuing Black Marvel.