`` the captain grants you should have the liberty of the quarterdeck from two to four bells of the afternoon watch , one of you at a time , '' de guignes said , `` and you will of course wish to see to the comfort of your men ; i am desolate to inform you they must remain in the ship 's gaol , in consequence of their numbers , but every effort will be made- '' `` i understand entirely , and your assurances must satisfy me , '' laurence said , interrupting : he did not much object if the rescued sailors were kept in chains and sustained on weeviled biscuit and bilgewater .