She had conceived a great affection for the two boys, her youthful preservers, and she could not tell them how far she was guilty.
She dare not avow that she had started out upon that risky trip to sea with the intention of simulating the peril which afterwards became too real, and so decoying the two boys as she had done.
No; she dare not avow this.
She had soon repented of her share in that black business.
Soon—aye, but that soon was all too late.
Too late!
The thought wrung her heart, and she bent her head and wept.
"This is very painful," said young Jack.
"It is, Jack," said his comrade, in a broken voice. "I don't like to see a boy crying."
They were still ignorant of their friend's real sex.