“No,” he said emphatically. “It’s one of those gales which blow in a circle, and we’re passing through it. The glass is rising, and in less than an hour I think it will begin to lull.” This was joyful news, and I rose to hurry back so as to take the place of Mr Preddle.
“You’ll stay now, John,” I heard Miss Denning say, and he answered her quite passionately.
“Don’t tempt me, Lena!” he cried. “I want to stay, but I want also to—there, I will act like a man.”
I did not then understand him as I did afterwards, what a strange jealous hatred and dislike there was burning within him as he caught my arm, and held it tightly.
“Help me quickly!” he whispered. “Take me back before my weakness masters me, and I break down.”
“But if you are so weak?” I said anxiously. “Take me forward!” he whispered angrily. “You cannot understand.”
I saw Miss Denning looking wonderingly at her brother as we went out, and again fought our way back to the forecastle-hatch, no easy task with the ship heeling over, and the spray flying as it did; but I felt hardened to it now, and the darkness did not appear so terrible, nor the danger so great, with the warm glow I felt spreading through me. Then I looked at my companion quite wonderingly, as I could just see his pale thin face, for he said quickly in a lull of the wind—
“I think I’ve conquered, Dale.”
“Conquered? It’s wonderful how brave you have been.”
I saw him smile, and then wondered afresh that I could have seen the change in his face. “Why, it’s getting light!” I said joyfully.