CHAPTER V.
MADAME.
Don Christoval remained out of sight below. I assumed that he was attending to his wife. His friend continued asleep in an arm-chair near the table under the skylight; his head was fallen back, his mouth was wide open, and his deep and powerful snore was audible at the distance of the helm. By and by the negro boy Tom rose through the companion hatch.
"Where is Don Christoval?" said I.
"In dah missus' cabin, sah," he answered.
"Has consciousness returned to her?"
He scratched his head and answered that he did not understand me.
"Have you heard the lady speaking—have you heard her voice?"
"Not speak, but sing, massa."
"Sing?" cried I, looking at him.