“Shall we give in, mam?”
“No,” she said; “take no notice of me, please. Keep right on, Captain. Even if we are hit, our machinery may escape injury. You know what there is at stake, and if—if I am—if anything happens to me, promise me you will do your best.”
For answer Captain Pardoe took her hand, and raised it to his lips.
“Now,” said he gruffly, “you must go below.”
“I cannot; you must not ask me; you are endangering your lives for me, and I must be with you.”
“Mr Hume, please take this lady to the saloon; and hark you, sir,” he added in a whisper, “lock her in.”
Frank looked at the young lady in dismay, and she, betwixt surprise at the order and indignation at the intended affront, stood silent.
“Do you hear me, sir?”
There was a dull report from the stern, and again there came that nerve-shaking scream.
Frank seized the lady in his arms, lifted her up, and staggered towards the steps.