“I was just going to see about dinner when we got the first news of her. Three of the most miserable and solemn-looking captains I’ve ever seen came alongside and asked for a few words with our skipper. They all stood in a row looking as if they was going to cry.
“‘Good morning, Captain Hart,’ ses one of ’em, as our old man came up with the mate.
“‘Good morning,’ ses he.
“‘Do you know this?’ ses one of ’em, suddenly, holding out Miss Mallow’s dressing-gown on a walking-stick.
“‘Good ’eavens,’ ses the skipper, ‘I hope nothing’s happened to that pore gal.’
“The three captains shook their heads all together.
“‘She is no more,’ ses another of ’em.
“‘How did it happen?’ ses the skipper, in a low voice.
“‘She took this off,’ ses the fust captain, shaking his head and pointing to the dressing-gown.
“‘And took a chill?’ ses the skipper, staring very ’ard.