“Oh, I see your mind, Mistress Nancy Swayle,” she said with a scornful laugh. “I did not think you would be so cunning—do you then long so much for a sight of your old love that you walk five miles in the early dawning to beg for a look?”
Nan’s rugged features twitched convulsively, but in a moment she was laughing again.
“Still I say you dare not, slut,” she said.
Without another word Pet turned away from the side and called down the hatchway.
Nan waited on the beach below, quite still and leaning on her stick, a proud smile playing round her wide, humorous mouth.
Two or three minutes later Pet reappeared supporting Ben, who in spite of the early hour was very unsteady on his feet.
He lurched forward and sprawled over the side of the hull looking down at Nan. She was evidently much surprised at the change in him, for she started back a little.
Pet laughed derisively.
“Ain’t he a pretty one?” she said.
Nan gulped and came forward.