in Richardson and Singleton had their quarters,
veiled hostility and sullen silence.

August 11 was Tuesday, a hot August day, with only enough air going to
keep our sails filled. At five o'clock I served afternoon tea, and
shortly after I went to Williams's cabin in the forward house to dress
the wound in his head, a long cut, which was now healing. I passed the
captain's cabin, and heard him quarreling with the first mate, who was
replying, now and then, sullenly. Only the tones of their voices
reached me.

When I had finished with Williams, and was returning, the quarrel was
still going on. Their voices ceased as I passed the door, and there
was a crash, as of a chair violently overturned. The next bit I heard.

"Put that down!" the captain roared.

I listened, uncertain whether to break in or not. The next moment,
Singleton opened the door and saw me. I went on as if I had heard
nothing.

Beyond that, the day was much as other days. Turner ate no dinner that
night. He was pale, and twitching; even with my small experience, I
knew he was on the verge of delirium tremens. He did not play cards,
and spent much of the evening wandering restlessly about on deck. Mrs.
Turner retired early. Mrs. Johns played accompaniments for Vail to
sing to, in the chart-room, until something after eleven, when they,
too, went to their rooms.

It being impracticable for me to go to my quarters in the storeroom
until the after house was settled, I went up on deck. Miss Lee had her
arm through Turner's and was talking to him. He seemed to be listening
to her; but at last he stopped and freed his arm, not ungently.

"That all sounds very well, Elsa," he said, "but you don't know what
you are talking about."

"I know this."

"I'm not a fool--or blind."

He lurched down the companionway and into the cabin. I heard her draw
a long breath; then she turned and saw me.

"Is that you, Leslie?"

"Yes, Miss Lee."

She came toward me, the train of her soft white gown over her arm, and
the light from a lantern setting some jewels on her neck to glittering.

"Mrs. Johns has told me where you are sleeping. You are very good to
do it, although I think she is rather absurd."

"I am glad to do anything I can."

"I am sure of that. You are certain you are comfortable there?"

"Perfectly."

"Then--good-night. And thank you."

Unexpectedly she put out her hand, and I took it. It was the first
time I had touched her