"Nothing but a pistol. But though we had twenty guns we have no hands to use them. So far as I know as yet, there is no man who would stand with me—not even the boatswain, unless he were sure we should conquer the ruffians."
"Could I not use a pistol? Ah, I remember, you have only one."
She sank her chin on her hand and looked downwards, lost in thought.
"Why would you not steer the ship for some near port?" she asked presently.
"I could not alter the course without being challenged. Remember that my policy is not to excite suspicion of my honesty."
"If a gale would rise like that which wrecked the Cecilia, it might drive us near the land, where we could get help."
"No, we shall have to depend upon ourselves. I do not want to pin my faith on chance."
I began to pace to and fro, torn by the blind and useless labours of my mind.
Just then a step sounded along the cuddy. The cabin door was pushed open roughly, and Stevens walked in. He stared at Miss Robertson, and cried—
"Sorry to interrupt. Didn't know you was here, mam, I'm sure. I thought," addressing me, "I should find you turned in. I've come to have a look at that chart o' yours. How long d'ye make it to New Orleans?"