“You are right there, Frank,” said Webster. “We’d go into action with a laugh if you were not aboard, madam, but every shell would make our hearts beat with fear if you were with us.”
“Ah! my friends,” she answered with emotion, “you make my sorrow all the greater to think I should have brought you to this, and be myself so fearful of the end. Forgive me, but I am proud and weak by turns. Oh, if I had the courage of a man!”
“You are better as you are,” said Frank. “Your weakness has more power over us than if you never winced or wavered.”
Suddenly she stood back and looked at them, laughing low.
“What is it?”
“It has occurred to me, gentlemen, that you are both to remain on the Irene.”
“Yes, madam; but why does that amuse you?” said Frank helplessly.
“And so you have been scheming to have my company. I am sure I am greatly charmed, and would be more if you had not pretended an anxiety for my safety.”
“Pretended, madam!” gasped Webster. “I’ll see the Captain hanged before I leave the Swift. He can sail this old tub himself, so that he takes you with her.”
“Thank you, sir,” she said, with another rippling laugh, “though you might have turned me over to the Captain more gracefully. And you, Mr Hume?”