At that moment Lingard, to whom Hassim had been talking earnestly, protested aloud:
“I never saw these people before.”
Immada caught hold of her brother's arm. Mr. Travers said harshly:
“Oblige me by taking these natives away.”
“Never before,” murmured Immada as if lost in ecstasy. D'Alcacer glanced at Mrs. Travers and made a step forward.
“Could not the difficulty, whatever it is, be arranged, Captain?” he said with careful politeness. “Observe that we are not only men here—”
“Let them die!” cried Immada, triumphantly.
Though Lingard alone understood the meaning of these words, all on board felt oppressed by the uneasy silence which followed her cry.
“Ah! He is going. Now, Mrs. Travers,” whispered d'Alcacer.
“I hope!” said Mrs. Travers, impulsively, and stopped as if alarmed at the sound.