"Come nearer," he said; "it ain't the sort of thing to shout out loud."
Reluctantly she moved a little closer to him, and he whispered two words in her ear.
"Well, what do you say to that?" he asked triumphantly.
CHAPTER XXIII
DORA FLETCHER ANSWERS "NO"
A week had passed, and Calamity, now convalescent, was able once more to resume command. As, however, Smith was still unable to discharge his customary duties, the Captain appointed Miss Fletcher temporary mate.
"Since you are now an officer," he said with that grim smile of his, "you had better take your meals in the cabin with me."
The girl's eyes lit up with pleasure for a moment, then the light died out of them and her lips hardened.
"Thank you all the same, but I should prefer to have my meals in my own cabin as before," she answered.