"But don't give up hope yet. I think it's a shame the way they're treating you and I'm going to see the governor myself."
"Now?"
He nodded. Her face brightened.
"Say, that's real good of you. I'm sure he'll let me stay if you speak for me. I just won't do a thing I didn't ought all the time I'm here."
Dr Macphail hardly knew why he had made up his mind to appeal to the governor. He was perfectly indifferent to Miss Thompson's affairs, but the missionary had irritated him, and with him temper was a smouldering thing. He found the governor at home. He was a large, handsome man, a sailor, with a grey toothbrush moustache; and he wore a spotless uniform of white drill.
"I've come to see you about a woman who's lodging in the same house as we are," he said. "Her name's Thompson."
"I guess I've heard nearly enough about her, Dr Macphail," said the governor, smiling. "I've given her the order to get out next Tuesday and that's all I can do."
"I wanted to ask you if you couldn't stretch a point and let her stay here till the boat comes in from San Francisco so that she can go to Sydney. I will guarantee her good behaviour."
The governor continued to smile, but his eyes grew small and serious.
"I'd be very glad to oblige you, Dr Macphail, but I've given the order and it must stand."