The villain drew a breath of mock relief.
"That makes my mind easier, Mr. Sedgwick. I'll confess I've been a little troubled for you."
"Thanks for your kind thoughts, but I'm confident we can look out for ourselves."
Our words had been light enough, but be sure there was no laughter in the eyes that fastened each pair to the other. For me, I never was more vigilant in my life—and Bothwell knew it.
"Going up-town, captain? If not I'll say good evening."
He nodded genially.
"Pleasant voyage. And do be careful of the squalls and the fever and the pirates. Do you know I can't help thinking you had better leave Evie at home for me to take care of."
"But you're leaving, too, I understood you to say. No, we'll take good care of her. I give you my word on that."
I had been edging round him with the intention of backing away. He held out his hand, but—well, my fingers were otherwise engaged. They still caressed a knobby bit of metal in my overcoat pocket.
At the last moment, so it appeared, he yielded to an impulse.