Down on the cabin guards the two paused at the bottom step, the old woman lingering at the top. "Mr. Hugh," said Ramsey, "mom-a's sending me for the twins." She drew a breath. "You know about the commodore?"
"Yes, Miss Ramsey."
"And the—the bishop?"
"I know, Miss Ramsey."
"Mr. Hugh, is your father—taken?"
"Yes, Miss Ramsey."
"Where are you going?"
"To bring the first clerk."
"The boat's command doesn't fall to him, does it?"
"It falls to the first mate."