"You villain!" she said, in a choking voice.
Captain Gibbs caught his breath and looked appealingly at the mate.
"It's a little surprise for you, my dear," he faltered, "it's Ted's young lady."
"Nothing of the kind," said the mate, sharply.
"It's not? How dare you say such a thing?" demanded Miss Harris, stepping on to the deck.
"Well, you brought her aboard, Ted, you know you did," pleaded the unhappy skipper.
The mate did not deny it, but his face was so full of grief and surprise that the other's heart sank within him.
"All right," said the mate at last; "have it your own way."
"Hold your tongue, Ted," shouted Mrs. Gibbs; "you're trying to shield him."
"I tell you Ted brought her aboard, and they had a lover's quarrel," said her unhappy spouse. "It's nothing to do with me at all."