She asked me no further questions, but switched at once to what had
brought her on deck.

"The cabin is unbearable," she said. "We are willing to take the
risk of opening the after companion door."

But I could not allow this, and I tried to explain my reasons. The
crew were quartered there, for one; for the other, whether they were
willing to take the risk or not, I would not open it without placing
a guard there, and we had no one to spare for the duty. I suggested
that they use the part of the deck reserved for them, where it was
fairly cool under the awning; and, after a dispute below, they agreed
to this. Turner, very weak, came up the few steps slowly, but
refused my proffered help. A little later, he called me from the
rail and offered me a cigar. The change in him was startling.

We took advantage of their being on deck to open the windows and
air the after house. But all were securely locked and barred before
they went below again. It was the first time they had all been on
deck together since the night of the 11th. It was a different crowd
of people that sat there, looking over the rail and speaking in
monosyllables: no bridge, no glasses clinking with ice, no elaborate
toilets and carefully dressed hair, no flash of jewels, no light
laughter following one of poor Vail's sallies.

At ten o'clock they went below, but not until I had quietly located
every member of the crew. I had the watch from eight to twelve that
night, and at half after ten Mrs. Johns came on deck again. She did
not speak to me, but dropped into a steamer-chair and yawned,
stretching out her arms. By the light of the companion lantern, I