But she felt that
her companion's glib tone was artificial. Something had occurred which
he was keeping from her. She believed that he had gone to the saloon
to procure the wine so that she might have what men called Dutch
courage when bad news came.
"I have not exchanged a dozen words with the captain since you refused
my help in the fore cabin," she said. "He had other matters to attend
to than explaining the progress of events to me. Why cannot you trust
me? I shall not scream, nor faint, nor hinder you in your work; I ask
you again-- Where are the others?"
"You mean Miss Baring and Mrs. Somerville?"
"Yes."
"If they are living, they are far enough away by this time. When their
boat was lowered it was cast off prematurely--"
"Purposely?"
"Well--yes. Courtenay had just placed Miss Baring's maid on board when
some of the crew let go the ropes. What could we do? We were forced
to depend on them."
"Is there no other boat?"
Christobal threw out his hands in his characteristic gesture. He was
so emphatic that he spilled some of the wine.
"You take it bravely," he said.
Pages:
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118