Egerton was just about to answer him, when a gentle knock sounded on the cabin door, which stood ajar in consequence of the heat.
‘Who’s that?’ demanded the old sailor gruffly.
‘It is only I,’ responded a soft, trembling voice, which Egerton at once recognised as that of Amy Herbert. ‘I came to inquire how Mr Egerton is getting on, and if I can do anything for him.’
‘No, miss, thank ye, you can’t do nothin’; he’s a-goin’ on very nicely, and I’m here,’ responded Williams.
‘May I speak to him for a minute?’
‘Oh yes,’ said Richard eagerly, raising himself to a sitting position.
The young lady pushed open the cabin door and stood on the threshold, blushing like a rose. She looked very beautiful, although her eyes were swollen with crying, and her dress and hair were in disorder.
‘I felt I could not sleep until I had thanked you for what you did for me, Mr Egerton,’ she uttered tearfully. ‘You endangered your own life to save mine, who have done nothing to deserve such a sacrifice on your part.’
‘Ay, that he did!’ interrupted Williams.
‘It is nothing—nothing,’ said Egerton faintly, for the sight of her had upset all his courage. ‘You could not help it. It is not your fault if—if—’