“Yes.”
The minister hesitated. Keziah did not wait for him to answer.
“I see,” she said slowly. “Do they all feel that way?”
“Why, if you mean that they've all given up hope, I should hardly say that. Captain Mayo and Captain Daniels were speaking of it in my hearing the other day and they agreed that there was still a chance.”
“A pretty slim one, though, they cal'lated, didn't they?”
“Well, they were—were doubtful, of course. There was the possibility that he had been wrecked somewhere and hadn't been picked up. They cited several such cases. The South Pacific is full of islands where vessels seldom touch, and he and his crew may be on one of these.”
“Yes. They might, but I'm afraid not. Ah, hum!”
She rose and was turning away. Ellery rose also and laid his hand on her arm.
“Aunt Keziah,” he said, “I'm very sorry. I respected Captain Hammond, in spite of—of—in spite of everything. I've tried to realize that he was not to blame. He was a good man and I haven't forgotten that he saved my life that morning on the flats. And I'm so sorry for YOU.”
She did not look at him.