"Just so, and that's what I object to," he said gruffly. "It's work enough to take the trade quiet and snug, as it is, but with a woman aboard that nobody knows anything about——" he puffed at his pipe significantly.
"You can trust her," said Mrs. Day; "there's no fear of her splitting, Captain Daniel."
"Oh, you think she'll die?" he said, looking mightily relieved.
"No, no! But there are reasons why she should keep her own counsel, though she is a woman. You wait until morning, captain, and you'll see whether she's to be trusted or not."
She spoke with such a confident air that he relaxed a little.
"Well, you and yours are in the same boat, remember, Mrs. Day, and if harm comes to us, your James will share it! Don't forget that."
"I do not forget it, captain," she responded.
"Very well," he said. "I'll leave it to you. Make the poor soul as comfortable as possible. The Rose of Devon wasn't chartered to carry lady passengers, but we'll do the best we can. You'll find some extra bedclothes, and that like, in my cabin; and I'll see to the supper by the time you're ready. As to liquor"—he grinned—"well, I dare say we can find a glass or two of that!"
"I dare say!" said Mrs. Day with an answering smile, and she hurried back to the cabin and to Margaret.