Terry came up smiling pleasantly.
“I have bad news for you. The water is nearly done. Can you make out why it is the frigate does not come?”
Roylance shook his head, and Syd turned to Terry.
“Of course I cannot say,” replied the latter; “and I don’t like to make you uncomfortable; but the captain seemed to me to be such a particular man, that I fear something has happened.”
“Happened?”
“Yes; his frigate has either been taken by the enemy, or gone ashore in the storm.”
“Oh!” ejaculated Sydney, with an agonised look at Roylance. “You don’t think this?”
Roylance was silent.
“Why don’t you speak?” cried Syd, excitedly. “It’s absurd to pretend to help one, and then stand and stare at him like this.”
“I did not want to hurt your feelings,” said Roylance, quietly.