I stared at them indifferently enough, but not so my little mistress. She shrank closer to me, her face paled and I had all I could do to keep from throwing my arm about her shoulders. I blessed God that she was here on the island and that I was by her side, and that neither of us was on the deck of the ship.
CHAPTER XII
INSIDE THE REEF WHICH WAS AT ONCE PROTECTION AND PRISON
THE ruffians aboard the ship did not content themselves with simply staring at us, for presently they assembled on the port quarter, the ship was under all plain sail on the starboard tack at the time, the wind having fallen to a gentle breeze during the day, and clambered into the cutter swinging at the davits. As she was lowered into the water fully manned, Mistress Lucy drew even closer to my side, seizing my arm with both hands.
“Let us fly, they are coming to take us!� she cried in great alarm.
“But they are on a vain errand,� I reassured her calmly.
“But why? How can you know that? Oh, Master Hampdon, let us hasten away.�
“We have a protector,� I answered confidently enough.
“God?� asked she.
“His handiwork,� I replied, as I indicated with a gesture the barrier reef over which the waves were breaking.
“But we passed it.�