Fear is a condition under
which a true man should not breathe a moment without contest; and yet
I know we have been all, more or less consciously, under its influence
since this man came on board. Out upon us! I will, for myself at least,
break through this dream of terror at once, by a tap at yonder door."
"It's the captain's place, not ours," said Smith, "to investigate this
affair. Don't be too impulsive; you will get yourself into serious
trouble."
"This is no matter of ordinary discipline," said the other; "the
captain has a more substantial awe of this man than you or I,--and for
more substantial reasons. He was aware of his wealth and power when
we were not. How, without his knowledge, could the treasures worth a
king's ransom, that adorn yonder coop, have been smuggled in or
arranged there? But I am resolved, right or wrong, to do as I said."
I was questioning within myself whether to second him, when the door
toward which he was advancing slowly opened, and once more the object
of our discussion issued from it, and again in his arms was the
beautiful form to which they had proved such a fatal resting-place.
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