"You can do a lot," he responded. "Just get up on deck, with your face tied up, and walk around. Speak to any man you meet, and go forward to the bridge. Ask any one you see, any question you like, as to where we are going, or what is to be done with us—anything at all which will justify your presence on deck. Just let them see that you are on deck, and will be on deck again. Will you, Florrie?"
"My face is still very bad, Billie; and the wind cuts like a knife. Why must I go up among those men?"
"I'll tell you afterward. Go along, Florrie. Just show yourself, and come down."
"I am in the dark. Why do you not tell me what is ahead? I would rather stay here and go to bed."
"You can go to bed in ten minutes," said Denman. "But go up first and show yourself, and come down. I will do the rest."
"Well, Billie, I will. I do not like to, but you seem to have some plan which you do not tell me of, so—well, all right. I will go up."
She put on a cloak and ascended the companion stairs, and Denman sat down to wait. He heard nothing, not even a voice of congratulation, and after a few moments Florrie came down.
"I met them all," she said, "and they were civil and polite. What more do you want of me, Billie?"
"Your cloak, your hat, and your skirt. I will furnish the bandage."
"What?"