And it was then the malicious gods played into Dan'l's evil hands; for as they listened, Faith was saying.... "Try to make him like you.... But be careful. He doesn't, now.... If he guessed...."
Brander said something which they could not hear; a single word; and Faith cried:
"You can. You're a man. He can't help admiring you in the end. I—" She hesitated, said helplessly: "I'm putting myself into your hands...."
Dan'l had wit to seize his fortune; he cried out: "By God, sir...."
But there was no need of spur to Noll Wing now. The captain had reached the deck with a single rush, Dan'l at his heels.... Faith and Brander sprang apart before their eyes; and because the innocent have always the appearance of the guilty, there was guilt in every line of these two now.
Noll Wing, confronting them, had in that moment the stature of a man; he was erect and strong, his eyes were level and cold. He looked from Faith to Brander, and he said:
"Brander, be gone. Faith, come below."
Brander took a step forward. Faith said quickly to him: "No." And she smiled at him as he halted in obedience.
Then she turned to her husband, passed him, went down into the cabin. And Noll, with a last glance at Brander, descended on her heels.
Dan'l, left facing the fourth mate, grinned triumphantly; and for an instant he saw death in Brander's eyes, so that his mirth was frozen.... Then Brander turned away.