“In Newport?”
“Surely you know we both came from Newport, last.”
“Ah! I comprehend you. Then, your acquaintance with Mr Wilder commenced at Newport? It was while your ship was lying off the fort?”
“It was. I carried him the order to take command of the Bristol trader. He had only joined us the night before.”
“So lately! It was a young acquaintance indeed. But I suppose your Commander knew his merits?”
“It is so hoped among the people. But”—
“You were speaking, Roderick.”
“None here dare question the Captain for his reasons. Even I am obliged to be mute.”
“Even you!” exclaimed Mrs Wyllys, in a surprise that for the moment overcame her self-restraint. But the thought in which the boy was lost appeared to prevent his observing the sudden change in her manner. Indeed, so little did he know what was passing, that the governess touched the hand of Gertrude, and silently pointed out the insensible figure of the lad, without the slightest apprehension that the movement would be observed.
“What think you, Roderick,” continued his interrogator “would he refuse to answer us also?”