The innocent young man always looked
upon the girl as immature; something of a child yet.
"She! glad! Why it was she who had her fired out. She didn't want
anybody around the cabin. Mrs. Brown is certain of it. She told her
husband so. You ask the steward and hear what he has to say about it.
That's why I don't like it. A capable woman who knew her place. But no.
Out she must go. For no fault, mind you. The captain was ashamed to
send her away. But that wife of his--aye the precious pair of them have
got hold of him. I can't speak to him for a minute on the poop without
that thimble-rigging coon coming gliding up. I'll tell you what. I
overheard once--God knows I didn't try to--only he forgot I was on the
other side of the skylight with my sextant--I overheard him--you know how
he sits hanging over her chair and talking away without properly opening
his mouth--yes I caught the word right enough. He was alluding to the
captain as "the jailer." The jail . . . !"
Franklin broke off with a profane execration. A silence reigned for a
long time and the slight, very gentle rolling of the ship slipping before
the N.
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