Indeed, I might have rejoiced over the outlook,
welcoming the excitement, and rough experience promised in a new land.
I possessed the adventurous spirit, and the position offered had its
appeal. But the girl stood directly in the way. What Henley meant to
do with her was problematical--I had not thought to ask--but he either
intended putting her ashore in Honduras, or else holding her prisoner
on board until the _Sea Gull_ returned North. Either contingency was
bad enough, and the suspicion flashed suddenly across me that the final
decision would depend on how kindly she might receive the attentions of
the Captain. Nor did I question the result. I had not known the lady
long, but, in that brief time, our relations had been sufficiently
intimate to yield me a good insight into her womanly character. There
would be no yielding, no compromise. Neither threats nor promises
would change her attitude in the least. Not only did she know the
fellow to be a lying knave, but he was not of the sort to ever
influence her in the slightest degree. I could imagine how she would
look at him, with those searching eyes burning in indignation, and her
instant squelching of his first protestations. There would be no need
of my help to repel the insults of such a beast.
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