She struck her hand sharply across her forehead with a little moan.
"I warned you, Kate, that he was capable of anything, but I never dreamed of a proof coming as quickly as this."
"I can't believe it; I won't believe it."
He shrugged his shoulders.
"Why should I blame him?" he said. "He sees a way to get you. I could almost sink as low as that myself—but not quite—not quite! I know something of mutinies at sea. Have you noticed the fellows who are in this crew?"
"I don't know—yes—I'm too sick to remember a single face except one scar-faced man."
"On the whole they're the roughest lot I've ever seen cooped up together. If they should be turned loose, they would make a shambles of this ship—a red shambles, Kate!"
There was not a trace of color in her face. She watched him with a horrified fascination.
"Of course," he went on easily, "I'll be the first one to go down.
Harrigan would see to that. Well, it would be a worthwhile fight—while
I lasted!"
"It can never take place!" she said desperately. "You are forewarned.
Tell Captain Henshaw at once, and—"