"Merciful Heaven! what will become of her? It were better that she should die than remain in the power of that young villain!"
"What are you muttering about, old man?" coarsely demanded Gage, as he bent to lift the girl. "You seem to be muttering to yourself the greater part of the time."
"You wretch! you young monster!" grated the old shipmaster. "Do you think you can escape the retribution that pursues all such dastardly creatures as you?"
"Oh, you make me tired! I have found out that the goody-good people do not always come out on top in this world. Besides that, it's too late for me to turn back now. I started wrong at school, and I have been going wrong ever since. It's natural for me; I can't help it."
"Spare my child!"
"Oh, don't worry about her. I'll take care of her."
"If you harm her, may the wrath of Heaven fall on your head!"
"Let it go at that. I will be very tender and considerate with her. Come, Elsie."
He attempted to lift her to her feet, but she drew from him, shuddering and screaming wildly:
"Don't touch me!"