“I suppose you are right,” said Mr Brymer in a dissatisfied tone; and, giving the orders, Hampton and Barney Blane went off to get the two big pieces of cast-iron and place them ready for the emergency, though it was fervently hoped that that need might not occur.
Then as the night was clear, and we were so short-handed, it was settled that one man only should take the watch, and every one volunteered, though we were all so exhausted that we could hardly stand. But Mr Brymer settled that.
“I will take the first watch myself,” he said. “All of you go and get some rest so as to relieve me.”
This consultation was held just outside the saloon, and Mr Frewen had just spoken and told Mr Brymer that he ought to have some one to share the watch with him, when a white figure suddenly came up out of the semi-darkness of the cabin, and I gave quite a start.
“You, Miss Denning?” I said.
“Yes. Mr Brymer, our cabin-door is open, and my brother and I have heard every word.”
“Well, my dear young lady,” said the mate pleasantly, “I wish you had heard better news.”
“It was the best you could give us,” she said quietly. “But my brother sends me to say that he has had a long sleep, and that if he is helped to a chair on the upper deck with a night-glass, he could keep the watch himself, and easily give the alarm if it were necessary.”
“But he is not fit to leave alone, Miss Denning,” said the doctor quickly.
“He would not be alone, Mr Frewen,” she replied gently. “I should share his watch.”