The crew were about on a night like that, and at any moment Elsa Lee
might avail herself of the dummy hand, as she sometimes did, and run
up for a breath of air or a glimpse of the sea.
"Just now, Mrs. Johns;" I said, "I am one of the crew of the Ella,
and if I am seen here--"
"Oh, fudge!" she retorted impatiently. "My reputation isn't going
to be hurt, and the man's never is. Leslie, I am frightened--you
know what I mean."
"Turner?"
"Yes."
"You mean--with the captain?"
"With any one who happens to be near. He is dangerous. It is Vail
now. He thinks Mr. Vail is in love with his wife. The fact is that
Vail--well, never mind about that. The point is this: this
afternoon he had a dispute with Williams, and knocked him down. The
other women don't know it. Vail told me. We have given out that
Williams is seasick. It will be Vail next, and, if he puts a hand
on him, Vail will kill him; I know him."
"We could stop this drinking."
"And have him shoot up the ship! I have been thinking all evening,
and only one thing occurs to me. We are five women and two men,
and Vail refuses to be alarmed. I want you to sleep in the after
house. Isn't there a storeroom where you could put a cot?"
"Yes," I agreed, "and I'll do it, of course, if you are uneasy, but
I really think--"
"Never mind what you really think.
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