"You will assuredly do nothing of the sort," announced Pauline. "You will take those horrid iron things right off and set him free."
"But, my dear Miss Marvin, he is a desperate man. It is dangerous."
"What did we come here for but to get into danger?" cried Pauline. "Besides, Filipo is the most interesting person on the ship. I have just devoted a chapter to him in my book, and if you think I'm going to spoil my book because Mr. Boyd gets hurt, or the potatoes aren't done, you're much mistaken."
Owen obediently knelt and unlocked the clumsy handcuffs.
"You are free, Filipo," said Pauline with the air of a proud princess releasing a serf.
"No fired?" grunted Filipo. "Too bad. Bum job."
"Now go back to the kitchen, and promise not to strike Mr. Boyd any more."
"No hit 'um. Boil 'um. Three minutes; stick fork in hum," said the cook with a cannibal glare at the still writhing pirate.
He shuffled off to his pots and pans. Blinky scrambled to his bunk, and Pauline retired to elaborate the fascinating character of Filipo in another chapter of her book of adventure.
She did not realize how late it was when at last she put down her pen and moved with soft, slippered steps to the door of the cabin.