'No, you would not dare. I'd like to see the man or woman in Salcott or Virley as would dare. I reckon there is none that knows me would make the venture. By God!' he burst forth. 'Where is the girl? I will have her here; and I'm cursed if you shall not all stand on your legs, and drink to her health and happiness as the most splendid woman as ever was or shall be.'
'Abraham Dowsing is at the door,' said Mrs. Sharland.
'Come in, and say what you have to say before us all,' called Elijah. 'If it be anything about my Glory, say it out.'
'She is gone off in her boat,' said the old man; 'I saw her.'
'Why did you not stop her then?' asked Mrs. De Witt.
'I stop her!' repeated Abraham. 'She is my mistress, and I a servant.'
'That is right,' said Elijah, 'if she had taken a whip and lashed your back till it was raw, you couldn't stop her. Where is she gone to?'
Abraham drew up his shoulders. 'That's her concern. It's no odds to me. But I tell ye what, Master. Here are you feasting here, and we han't had nothing extra with our wittles. I ask that we may eat and drink prosperity to you both, to her and you.'
'You shall,' said Elijah.
'Stay,' put in Mrs. De Witt. 'What do you mean, you old barnacle, you? Let your superiors eat their fill first, and then you and the other men shall have what's over. That's fair. I shall manage for you. Go, Abraham.'