Elsie smiled at him. She was wrapped in a heavy ulster, and had a Tam
o' Shanter tied firmly on her head by a stout veil.
"Mr. Malcolm thought we had better bring life-belts from our cabins. I
came for mine, and I looked out and saw you. I wanted to ask you what
had become of Dr. Christobal. I hope you don't mind?"
"Not in the least. I am just going to him. Would you care to come?"
"Oh, I shall be most pleased."
"He is attending the injured men, you know. And there are--others
there, who are beyond his help."
"Perhaps I may be of some assistance."
"Come, then. When I open the door, step out quickly and hold tight to
that rail. And don't move until I tell you."
His manner was curt enough to please the superioress of a nunnery.
Elsie was awed instantly by the glimpse she obtained of the flying scud
within the narrow area of the saloon lights, but she obeyed directions,
and presently found herself clinging desperately to the brass hand-rail
which ran, breast high, along the outer wall of her cabin. She saw
Courtenay kneel to fasten a bolt, and she wondered how a man encumbered
with heavy boots could be so active.
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