The Sea-mew forged ahead toward the North and Captain Ben watched at Hector's bedside. The unfortunate man slept heavily but uneasily; he groaned and raved incoherently, tossed from side to side, sometimes in danger of falling out of the berth.
Toward six o'clock Ben sent for Abe Glovey, who came and took his place while he went to meet Picton.
Ben had a difficult task before him. He wished to break the news gently; the shock would be great; then they would have to think what was best to be done.
Picton was out early; he had not slept well; strange dreams caused him uneasiness.
"I've had a restless night. You look as though you had," he said to Ben.
"I have; it has been a strange night. I've something to tell you," and he proceeded to explain about Brack coming to the yacht.
"What on earth did he want at that hour of the night?" said Picton.
"He brought some one to see me."
Picton was surprised.
"Who was it?"