"In that case, madam," replied the captain, "you must be aware—"
"That my place is with the slaves at the other end of the steamer. Pardon me, sir, for having forgotten my real position!"
With one proudly disdainful glance at Augustus Horton, Cora slowly retired. The passengers watched her in silence, wondering how the strange scene would end.
Gilbert Margrave advanced to Augustus Horton, and addressed him in a tone of quiet determination, far more impressive than the loudest passion.
"Mr. Horton," he said; "the insult inflicted upon Miss Leslie was offered also to me, since I was by her side at the time. Whether her cause be just or unjust, I insist—you understand, sir, I insist upon an immediate reparation for an act which I consider an abominable cowardice."
"As you please, sir," replied the planter. "I shall land at Iberville."
"Enough. I also will land there."
"Why not throw the Englishman overboard?" said Craig, in an undertone to some of the passengers.
Augustus Horton overheard the words, and turned fiercely upon the lawyer.
"I allow no interference in this," he said; "the quarrel is mine alone. Percy, you will be my second?"