There was a momentary silence, and then a peculiar whispering voice said—
“Don’t be frightened.”
“I’m not,” said Humphrey, trying to make out whence the voice came, and only able to surmise that it was from somewhere over the dark corner where he slept.
“I want Dennis Kelly,” said the voice.
“He’s not here. Away with the schooner,” continued Humphrey.
“Oh!”
The ejaculation came like a moan of disappointment.
“Here, who are you?” cried Humphrey.
“No; he cannot be away, sir. But hist! hush, for heaven’s sake! You will be heard,” said the voice. “Speak low.”
“Well, I’ll speak in a whisper if you like,” said Humphrey. “But where are you?”