He spoke in a formal, dry voice.
"I am sent to find you, Master Venner. Captain Norris hath a word to say unto you."
Within her shirt Merrylips clutched at the silver ring and tried to take courage.
"The captain—is fain to speak with me?" she faltered.
"Ay," said Rupert. "Now—this moment. Come! He waiteth for you."
CHAPTER XXII
A PARTING OF THE WAYS
In the mess-room, where the candles were lighted, Captain Tibbott Norris sat alone at the table. Before him were a dish of stewed meat and a cup of wine, and he ate and drank steadily, but all the time his eyes were bent upon a map that was spread open at his elbow. He had not shaved in two days, and his unkempt face looked old and tired.
For a full minute Merrylips must have hesitated on the threshold before Captain Norris noticed that she was there. Then he peered at her through the candlelight, and said he:—
"Thou, is it, Tibbott? And young Hinkel, too? Come you in, both lads, and shut to the door."