“Why didn’t you come and help me?”
“You know: because I was obliged to be in attendance on the—”
“Comte!” shouted Saint Simon. “You will be spoiling the expedition before you have done.”
“Yes, it is hard work to remember. I am sorry, though, Saint Simon. You know that I would have come and helped you if I could.”
“Oh yes, I know,” said the other. “I couldn’t trust anyone to help, for the poor beasts knew me, and at the worst times a word or two and a pat on the neck seemed to calm them, and they left off shivering with cold and fear; but I have had a night such as I don’t want to have again.”
“You must have had. But the skipper says that we shall soon be in smooth water, and that there will be some breakfast in an hour.”
“Heugh!” ejaculated Saint Simon. “Breakfast here! I don’t want anything till we get on shore—if we ever do. Here, look behind you.”
Denis turned sharply, to see a familiar face in the full sunshine peering over the edge of the hatchway and looking about, but apparently not seeing what was sought till a hand appeared to shade its owner’s eyes, sending forth a flash or two of light from a ring upon one of the fingers.
“Why, it’s the—”
“Comte!” said Saint Simon quickly. “Stop here, and lay hold of his horse.”