Sue—Oh, Nat, I don’t know. I don’t think so.
Nat—The strain’s been too much for him—waiting and hiding his secret from all of us. What do you suppose it is, Sue—ambergris?
Sue—[Wildly.] I don’t know and I don’t care! [Noticing the strange preoccupied look in his eyes—trying to bring him back to earth—scornfully.] Ambergris! Are you going crazy? Don’t you remember you’ve always been the first one to laugh at that silly idea?
Nat—Well, there’s something—— [Starts for the platform. Sue does her best to interpose to hold him back.] Are they all ready on the schooner. He’ll have to hurry if she’s going to sail on this tide. [With sudden passion.] Oh, I’ve got to go! I can’t stay here! [Pleadingly.] Don’t you think, Sue, if you were to ask him for me he’d—You’re the only one he seems to act sane with or care about any more.
Sue—No! I won’t! I can’t!
Nat—[Angrily.] Haven’t you any sense? Wouldn’t it be better for everyone if I went in his place?
Sue—No. You know that’s a lie. Ma would lose her mind if you went.
Nat—And I’ll lose mine if I stay! [Half aware of Sue’s intention to keep him from looking down at the schooner—irritably.] What are you holding my arm for, Sue? I want to see what they’re doing. [He pushes her aside and goes to the platform—excitedly.] Hello, they’ve got the fores’l and mains’l set. They’re setting the stays’l. [In amazement.] Why—they’re casting off! She’s moving away from the wharf! [More and more excitedly.] I see four of them on board! Who—who is that, Sue?
Sue—It’s Danny.
Nat—[Furiously.] Danny! What right has he—when I can’t! Sue, call Pa! They’re sailing, I tell you, you little fool!