Imagine you are on a ship, and the captain has called all three of you into his cabin. He asks why you are on the ship, and what you think should happen to the other slaves on the ship. What do you say? Do you just fight for yourself or do you also try to support your new friends? Will he believe you?

What is implied in this sentence from mark twain's "the ? 1,000,000 bank-note"? i was puzzled, and wanted to discuss the matter a little further, but they didn't; so i took my leave, feeling hurt and insulted to be made the butt of what was apparently some kind of a practical joke, and yet obliged to put up with it, not being in circumstances to resent affronts from rich and strong folk.