Again the captain shivered. Who was this, who held death so lightly? His own gloomy forebodings came upon him with redoubled force. What manner of pilot was this, to whom night was as day?
"Boy!" he cried shortly, "why are you here?"
"You read my orders."
"Yes; but——"
Again the pilot caused an interruption by shifting helm.
"Who are you?" hoarsely cried the captain.
"Well, sixteen years ago to-night—steady, cap'n!" for the man had staggered as though from the effect of a mortal blow.
"Avast! Who and what are you?" The captain's voice was deep and menacing.
"The pilot of Port Creek. I have no other name—at least, it suits me to forget it."
"What was your father?"