And here my little mistress showed her cleverness. She had pulled her hair around her face and somewhat disarranged her dress. She sprang to the door and striving to pass my outstretched arm, pathetically begged the seaman’s assistance from this great brute, meaning myself! It was well done and deceived the man completely.
“I can’t help you,� he said. “I’d like to, Mistress, but yon man’s bought you with his share of the treasure an’ a bargain’s a bargain. We must e’en stick to it, though, as I live, I think you worth it,� he leered out at her.
“You see,� said I speaking harshly to her and thrusting her with seeming violence away from the door, “get back into your corner, curse you!� And then to the man, I said, “Now what’s the matter and what’s wanted?�
“You’re wanted on deck. It is jest dawn. Land’s been sighted an’ there’s a heavy sea runnin’. Pimball an’ Glibby want your advice as to what’s to be done.�
“Good,� said I, “I will be with you in a moment. Tell them I have yet a word or two to say to this woman, here.�
The man turned on his heel, passed through the cabin and climbed the ladder to the deck.
“Now,� I said quickly, thrusting one of my pistols into my little mistress’ hand, “we can talk no longer this time; I am going to do my best for you and if I fail here is a weapon. You know what to do with it?�
“Shall I use it on them?�
“No, madam,� I answered grimly, “on yourself if it comes to the worst.�
“I understand,� she said, paling a little.