My eyes met hers, and I cursed myself for a fool.
"Yes—I—I meant nothing," I managed to explain lamely. "That was a slip of the tongue. Please forget it, and keep faith in me."
I drew aside the curtain draping one of the after ports, and glanced out, eager for anything to distract attention. Through the clear glass I could see the curve of shore-line forming the little cove. Just within the foam of the breakers a half dozen men were launching a small boat. I stared at them an instant, before realizing what it meant. Then I dropped the curtain.
"The mate is coming aboard," I said swiftly. "You must go to your room; here is the key; lock yourself in, and only open when you hear my voice."
"And you—?"
"I must take care of myself; don't worry about me."
She hesitated, yet the expression of my face decided her, and she held out her hand.
"I—I said I would do whatever you told me to, and here I am questioning the first thing. Forgive me."
Without so much as a glance at our prisoner, she opened the door, and, with a swift look about the outer cabin, disappeared.