But Jack's keen ears noted her silence and realised its cause. Still seated as he was beside her, he felt clumsily for her hand; then, finding it, pressed it firmly, whispering,
"Cheer up, Lolie; my eyesight'll be all right directly I can get the correct treatment. Meanwhile, we'll just go on our way to Papeete and leave Mr. Dago Charlie standing."
"I'm trying to be brave, I'm trying to be brave," murmured the woman brokenly. "Only, only——"
"I know, dearie, I know," he broke in gently. "I know how it hurts you—yes, more than it does me, far more; but it'll all come right presently, don't you fear."
"But it does seem so hard, so very, very hard; and I was hoping so much——"
"Put not your trust in the moon," he laughed cheerfully; then went on, "You must steer, Lolie, as we want Tari to row."
The fact of being of some use seemed to hearten her considerably, and with a brighter face she took the steering-oar from the Kanaka.
"You stroke us, Jack," proposed Benson.
"'Xcuse me, boys, if my play with an oar is some wantin' in skill," observed the cowpuncher. "My eddication's been some neglected in rowin', an' I'm shore a tenderfoot at the game a whole lot."