I pray you pardon me now. I find I am not
strong enough yet to venture on deck."
"Oh yes, you are, M'sieu'. I want to give you the chance of your life.
Mr. Gray has told me of your behavior, and he charitably added that
your cowardice and treachery might have arisen from ungovernable fear.
Now, if you wish to atone for your conduct, here is an opportunity. I
am taking a boat ashore to try to save some of my men who are
imprisoned there. There is a fair risk in the venture. The outcome
may be death. Will you volunteer to take an oar? That would whitewash
your weather-marks."
"It is impossible. I am too feeble. I cannot row."
"Ah, you swine! Can it be possible that you are a Frenchman? What
sort of countship is it you boast of?"
"Sir, I am a passenger on this ship--"
Courtenay's voice was raised a little.
"Mr. Boyle," he said, "give orders that if this skunk shows his nose
inside the saloon again he is to be kicked out. He can eat his meals
in his stateroom, or in the forecabin with the other savages."
Elsie heard every word. She fancied, too, that Isobel was listening,
though she gave no sign.
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