"Mark my word," declared Aunt Euphemia, with her most indignant air, "that creature is guilty—guilty of an awful crime!"
"The old pirate! That he is!" reiterated Betty.
"Louise, my child, come away from here at once. This is no place for a young woman—or for any self-respecting person. Come."
For the first time since the opening of this scene Cap'n Amazon displayed trouble. He turned to look at Louise, and she thought his countenance expressed apprehension—as though he feared she might go.
"Come!" commanded Mrs. Conroth again. "This is no fit place for you; it never has been fit!"
"Avast, there, ma'am!" growled the captain, at last stung to retort.
"You are an old villain!" declared Aunt Euphemia.
"He's an old pirate!" concluded Betty Gallup. Here Louise found her voice—and she spoke with decision.
"I shall stay just the same, aunt. I am satisfied that you all misjudge Captain Amazon." His face—the sudden flash of gratitude in it—thanked her.
"Louise!" cried her aunt.