Riley did not answer, and soon Jenkins spoke again.

"They're coming back. Only the woman--only the woman out o' the whole
crowd."

"They'd better hurry up," responded Riley. "What's that over to the
nor'ard?"

"Nothing but a tramp," said Jenkins, at length. "But we don't want to be
interviewed. Bear a hand, you fellows," he shouted. "Is the woman dead?"

"No--guess not," came the answer, through the small deadlight. "Fainted
away since we picked her up. Burned or scalded, somewhat."

CHAPTER VI

Denman saw the boat for a moment or two as it came alongside, and
noticed the still form of the woman in the stern sheets, her face hidden
by a black silk neckerchief. Then he could only know by the voices that
they were lifting her aboard and aft to the captain's quarters. But he
was somewhat surprised to see the door that led to these quarters opened
by Jenkins, who beckoned him.

"We've picked up a poor woman, sir," he said, "and put her in here. Now,
we're too busy on deck to 'tend to her, Mr. Denman, and then--we don't
know how; but--well, you're an educated man, and a gentleman. Would you
mind? I've chased the bunch out, and I won't let 'em bother you. It's
just an extension of your cruising radius."

"Certainly," said Denman. "I'll do what I can for her."

"All right, sir. I'll leave this door open, but I must lock the after
companion."

He went on deck by the wardroom stairs, while Denman passed through to
the woman. She lay on a transom, dripping water from her clothing to the
carpet, and with the black cloth still over her face; but, on hearing
his footsteps, she removed it, showing a countenance puffed and crimson
from the scalding of the live steam that had blown her overboard. Then,
groaning pitifully, she sat up, and looked at him through swollen
eyelids.

"What is it?" she exclaimed, weakly. "What has happened? Where is
father?"

"Madam," said Denman, gently, "you have been picked up from a steam
yacht which exploded her boilers. Are you in pain? What can I do for
you?"

"I don't know. Yes, I am in pain. My face."

"Wait, and I will get you what I can from the medicine-chest."

Denman explored the surgeon's quarters, and returned with bandages and a
mixture of linseed oil and lime water. He gently laved and bound the
poor woman's face, and then led her to the captain's berth.

"Go in," he said. "Take off your wet clothes, and put on his pajamas.
Here they are"--he produced them from a loc