"
"And you--?"
"I must take care of myself; don't worry about me."
She hesitated, yet the expression of my face decided her, and she held
out her hand.
"I--I said I would do whatever you told me to, and here I am questioning
the first thing. Forgive me."
Without so much as a glance at our prisoner, she opened the door, and,
with a swift look about the outer cabin, disappeared.
CHAPTER XXVIII
THE CREOLE'S STORY
My time of preparation was brief, yet I already had a plan of operation
outlined. In truth, there was small choice left me. I must keep
Henley concealed and silent until darkness rendered our escape
possible. In order to accomplish this it would be necessary to prevent
either the steward or the mate from entering the after cabin. All
peril from the negro I dismissed quickly, confident that his knowledge
of my standing on board would impel him to accept any explanation I
might make. But with Herman the situation was not so clear. Whether,
or not, the Captain had informed him that I was a volunteer on their
lawless expedition, I did not know. We had not met since coming
aboard, and, unless he had received direct orders regarding my status,
any interference on my part would be apt to arouse instant suspicion.
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