"I know, I know," he told her. "Oh, you're a wonder, Faith...."
"You're a man. Always remember that," she said.
He got up abruptly. He started toward the main cabin; and she asked: "Where are you going, Noll?"
"Forward," he said. "I've wronged Mauger...." He was drunk with this new-found joy of abasing himself. "I'll tell the man so. I'll right things with him...."
And he added thoughtfully: "He cursed me. I don't want the man's hate. I'll right things with him...."
She smiled faintly, shook her head. "No, Noll...."
He was stubborn. "Yes. Why not? I've...."
She said thoughtfully: "Noll, you're the master of this ship. Old Jonathan Felt put her in your charge. You are responsible for her.... And that puts certain obligations on you, Noll. An obligation to be wise, and to be prudent, and to be brave...."
He came back and sat down beside her. She touched his knee. "You are like a king, aboard here, Noll. And—the king can do no wrong. I would not go to Mauger, if I were you. You made a mistake; but there is no need you should humble yourself before the men. They would not understand; they would only despise you, Noll."
He said hotly: "Let them. They're sneaking, spineless things...."