Pet was leaning against the stump of the main-mast, her red arms akimbo and her tousled gray head cocked on one side, while Anny stood looking on to the darkening water with her back to the old woman.
“Sure? Why, girl, certain I’m sure. As sure as this boat’s a vile hell, Master Black’erchief Dick will have you one way or another—wed or unwed. Which way lies with you?”
Pet’s harsh voice broke the warm quietness of the summer evening unpleasantly.
Anny caught her breath, and shrugging her shoulders turned toward the old woman. Then she laughed.
“Lord! you must be mad, Pet Salt, how could Master Dick carry me off from the Ship, the whole village there to stay him?” she said, brightening.
Pet laughed unpleasantly.
“You think too much of yourself, lass,” she said. “To stay him? And why should any one stay him?”
Anny’s eyes grew big with surprise and fear.
“What do you mean?” she said as slowly as she could. “Why, Gilbot——”
Pet began to laugh.