He addressed the mate, who answered with a sidelong look, and none too cordially:
“We land passengers by the Company’s order.”
“Those three?”
“Yes, the men and the lady.”
“Who are they?”
“Physicians from New York.”
“Ah-h!” said the man, slowly, making a sighing noise between his teeth. “That means—that means—”
“Volunteers to the fever district,” said the mate, shortly, “as you might have known before now. You’re not of a sociable cast, I see.”
“I have made no acquaintances,” said the short passenger. “I know nothing of the news of the ship. Is the lady a nurse?”
“She’s a she-doctor. Doctors, the whole of ’em. There ain’t a nurse aboard.”