“He ain’t nice to eat.”
Christopher had laid a daring finger on the mystery, but his words found all unheeding except Mr. Vancouver, who looked startled. The suggestion was evidently new to him.
“Very well, Christopher,” Annabel said, smiling sadly, “I’ll stay. Captain Mason,” falteringly, “I ask your pardon.” She turned to her father and embraced him. “Father, go. I’ll pray for you.” She held him off and looked long into his face. “You’ll come back, won’t you?”
“Of course. I shall see the king, and I know I can arrange everything happily for the colony.”
Captain Mason beckoned Gato. Mr. Vancouver turned his face to the darkness and marched away with the guard.
When he had gone, Annabel still gazed. Rawley watched her for a look that might permit his consoling offices, but she did not see him. Only Christopher knew what to do.
“It’s a-wanting of you, ma’am,” he said.
She started. “What, Christopher?”
“It’s mother, too.”
“Yes, yes,—I’d forgotten.” Without a glance at any of us, she went to the ailing child.