Whilst I thus sat thinking over such matters as these, in stepped Will; he looked about and sat down. I heard a noise of feet overhead, and guessed that Tom and Bates walked the deck together. The sailor Collins steered; the sunset glowed like a sheet of burning gold upon the skylight.
‘Marian,’ said Will, ‘how long is this roaming to last?’
‘I wish I could tell you,’ I answered.
‘Butler’s one goading idea just now is revenge. But I want to get home—rig out afresh—sign for a new ship—and start again. This sort of thing is merely pickling one. It will qualify me as a lobscouser, I dare say, but I’m learning nothing useful, never have a quadrant in my hand, and get no jobs of seamanship to do.’
‘Tom told you he’ll steer the brig straight for England, and put you and Bates in the way of getting home. What more do you want? But for him you’d have been murdered by the convicts. Or you might be lying dead in an open boat along with Captain Sutherland and the others. But you’re safe, and Tom’s steering you home.’
I spoke hotly and raised my voice. He stammered; he had not before taken this view of his deliverance perhaps.
‘Well,’ said he, ‘but look here, Marian; granted that Butler sends Bates and me home; you stay behind, what’s to become of you?’
‘That’s my business.’
‘Not yours only. I’m closer to you than Butler till you’re married. I’ve a right to consider your safety, anyway. You’re here through my help; your convict ship adventure was of my bringing about. It’s my duty to see you safe out of the mess your romancing love has carried you into.’
An angry answer was on my lips when the door of the berth close beside me was opened, and Tom stepped out. I had not imagined he was there. Will changed colour. My sweetheart, with the pleasantest smile I had yet seen on his face, put his hand on the lad’s shoulder, and exclaimed: