‘Why do you say that?’ I whispered, turning to look at him and then giving him my back again.
‘That’s what I mean by wishing to God you were not here,’ he answered, whispering passionately, as though he could not contain himself. ‘This ship will never arrive! I could save her and I could save life by a word. If I thought you were in danger—but not with me! Not with me! Abram and others have taken their oaths upon it, and they cannot do without me. They don’t know that you are a girl. They must not know it! You are my dear friend and that is enough; and they believe you to be friendly toward them and would help them if you could. They’ll not harm you. I’d strangle myself sooner than utter a word that should save this ship! I’m here for a crime I never committed. They have made a devil of me! I’ll take no active part. I’ll have no blood upon my head, but I’ll help them in the way they want when they call upon me.’
‘What can I do?’
‘Nothing but wait.’
‘I’d give my life to free you!’
‘Oh, your devotion breaks my heart! I was worthy of it once.’
‘When is this thing to happen?’
‘The ship will be in the hands of the convicts to-morrow.’
I fetched a deep breath and turned cold.
‘And Will—and Will, Tom?’ I said in a whisper that shuddered with the icy fit.