In view
of all I decided openly to cast my fortunes with the man, and appear
angry at the deceit with which she had ensnared me. I dreaded the
result, the expression my apparent desertion would bring to her face,
but this seemed the only was possible for me to unmask the fellow. He
had clearly enough catalogued me in his own class, as one who would
serve any master for sufficient reward. Very well, let him so continue
to think, until I could turn the tables, and pay him back in his own
coin. And the quickest way in which to convince him that I was
altogether his man, was to denounce the girl in his presence, and
frankly avow myself on his side. Difficult as this task would
prove--at least until I could make some explanation to her--it was the
sensible course to pursue. I hardened myself to it, my eyes on the
outlines of the man's face, as he shuffled the papers on his desk.
"Do you mind telling me where this vessel is bound?" I asked, not only
curious to learn, but also anxious to break the silence.
"No objections whatever, Craig, if I knew myself," he answered
carelessly. "The _Sea Gull_ being my property sails on my orders, and,
at present, those orders are merely to put out to sea."
"You spoke of leaving the lady ashore at New Orleans.
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