"I have no desire to discuss Mr. Lavelle," said Emily.
"Of course not. Pardon me, Miss Granville. I was told the painful story aboard the ship. I understand your feelings. You will pardon me, I hope. It is because of what this man is that I fear for you. These Chinamen would do murder at his word. He is armed; I am helpless, but I will find a way."
Rowgowskii leaned nearer and whispered:
"We should be sailing in the opposite direction. Did you know that, Miss Granville? Over to the east we should be going."
Emily met his gaze now, with a pallor beginning to overspread her face.
"But do you think he does not know?" she asked, and her voice trembled.
"If you will remember it was he—this man—who changed the course of the Yakutat," answered Rowgowskii. "I have been thinking that you might induce him to change—to do right."
Consternation seized her at the mention of the Yakutat. It bore quick doubt in her heart; then fear. Her new faith was torn from its moorings. Her mind lost all sense of its bearings.
"Why have you not spoken to him?" she asked.
"I mentioned it this morning. He ignored me. That Chinaman there"—he indicated Chang with a glance—"that beast there—told me that I could walk ashore if I did not like the way things were done here."