“No, I don't think so,” he told her, stoutly.
They were alone in the hold for a few moments while the others were helping one another through the opening.
“But in this trap—in the dark—crowded in here!” Her tone did not express doubt; it was pathetic endeavor to understand their plight. “My father and his men are frightened—they have given up. And you told me that you are frightened!”
“Yes, I am!”
“But they are not doing anything to help you.”
“Perhaps that is because they are not scared as much as I am. It often happens that the more frightened a man is in a tight place the more he jumps around and the harder he tries to get out.”
“I don't care what you say—I know what you are!” she rejoined. “You are a brave man, Captain Mayo. I thank you!”
“Not yet! Not until—”
“Yes, now! You have set me a good example. When folks are scared they should not sit down and whimper!”
He reached and found a plump little fist which she had doubled into a real knob of decision.