“Not now,” he answered. “Miss Vancouver,” he said aloud, “Mr. Tudor cannot go. I beg to remind you that you are interfering with the business in hand.”
Recollection of the morning’s scene, when a woman had been sent away under guard, must have been what whitened her face with fear and then flushed it with anger. The lion in her father crouched at Captain Mason, but instantly remembered.
“Daughter,” he peremptorily said, “spare us further humiliation. I am going.”
“Then, I will go with you!” she exclaimed.
The entire colony was assembled, and all were expecting another measure of authority; but Captain Mason stood in patient silence.
“Impossible, child!” said Mr. Vancouver.
“Yes, I will go!” she cried. “I have a right to go, and I will!”
Mr. Vancouver sent Captain Mason an inquiring look, and found that the blue eyes had hardened. He knew the meaning of that; he must at once eliminate his daughter.
“Child,” he coaxed, enclosing her in his arms, “it is impossible,—dangers would arise that wouldn’t come if you were absent.”
“I can’t bear it,—I can’t bear it!” she half sobbed. She struggled to free herself. Rawley came forward. “Don’t touch me!” she cried. “Isn’t there a man——”