“Believe it?” I gazed at her uncomprehendingly. “Believe it,” I repeated. “Don't you believe it?”
“No.”
“Miss Colton, do you mean that you think I am not telling you the truth? That I am lying?”
“Well,” fiercely, “and if I did, would it be so astonishing, considering—considering the TRUTHS you have told me before?”
I made no further effort to pass her. Instead I stepped back.
“Would you mind telling me,” I demanded, with deliberate sarcasm, “what possible reason you think I might have for wishing to keep you here?”
“I shall tell you nothing. And—and I will not have you anchor this boat.”
“Is it your desire then that we drift—the Lord knows where?”
“I desire you to start that engine and take me home.”
“I cannot start the engine.”