“Sir,” said the watchman from above.
“Bring down a couple o’ men and take this lady ashore,” said the mate sternly.
“I’ll send a couple down, sir,” said the watchman, and moved off to make a selection.
“I shall scream ‘murder and thieves,’” said the lady, her eyes gleaming. “I’ll bring the police up and cause a scandal. Then perhaps I shall see into that room.”
In the face of determination like this the mate’s courage gave way, and in a voice of much anxiety he called upon his captain for instruction.
“Cast off,” bellowed the mighty voice. “If your sweetheart won’t go ashore she must come, too. You must pay her passage.”
“Well, of all the damned impudence,” muttered the incensed mate. “Well, if you’re bent on coming,” he said, hotly, to the visitor, “just go on deck while I dress.”
The lady hesitated a moment and then withdrew. On deck the men eyed her curiously, but made no attempt to interfere with her, and in a couple of minutes the mate came running up to take charge.
“Where are we going?” enquired the lady with a trace of anxiety in her voice.
“France,” said Fraser, turning away.