Sue—[Going to her—gently.] No, Ma, he isn’t going to sail. He’s going to stay home with you. But the schooner’s gone. See. [She points and her mother’s eyes turn seaward.]
Bartlett—[Aloud to himself—in a tone of groping superstitious awe and bewildered fear.] They be somethin’ queer—somethin’ wrong—they be a curse in this somewhere——
Mrs. Bartlett—[Turning accusing eyes on him—with a sort of fanatical triumph.] I’m glad to hear you confess that, Isaiah. Yes, there be a curse—God’s curse on the wicked sinfulness o’ men—and I thank God He’s saved you from the evil of that voyage, and I’ll pray Him to visit His punishment and His curse on them three men on that craft you forced me to give my name—— [She has raised her hand as if calling down retribution on the schooner she can dimly see.]
Sue—[Terrified.] Ma!
Bartlett—[Starting toward his wife with an insane yell of fury.] Stop it, I tell ye! [He towers over her with upraised fist as if to crush her.]
Sue—Pa!
Nat—[Starting to his feet from where he has been sitting on the ground—hoarsely.] Pa! For God’s sake!
Mrs. Bartlett—[Gives a weak, frightened gasp.] Would you murder me too, Isaiah? [She closes her eyes and collapses in Sue’s arms.]
Sue—[Tremblingly.] Nat! Help me! Quick! We must carry her to bed. [They take their mother in their arms, carrying her inside the house.]