Miss Baldwin did not see Simmons. She was looking down at the water along our side. After several minutes she raised her head.
“Poor George!” she said, “He’s never had to fight anything in his life, so he’s handicapped. But we’ll hope, at least.”
“Miss Baldwin,” I said vigorously, “it is not too late for you to leave this yacht. We can reach the City of Nome by wireless. You can return there now.”
The look which she bestowed on me had nothing in it but surprise.
“Leave the yacht now, just at the beginning of the voyage? Why do you suggest that, Mr. Pitt?”
“I thought,” I stammered, “I thought that after you had seen how things are on board you might be wishing you were safely back on the steamer.”
“But—but you said my being here would help straighten George up?”
I was silent.
“Why did you suggest that I leave, Mr. Pitt?”
“Miss Baldwin,” said I, “I do not wish to alarm you, but I do not think this yacht at present is a place for a young woman to take a pleasure trip in. It is Chanler’s place to tell you this, but I am quite sure he will not do so.”