But that morning, after they had settled to bridge, she followed
me to the rail, out of earshot I straightened and took off my cap,
and she stood looking at me, unsmiling.

"Unclench your hands!" she said.

"I beg your pardon!" I straightened out my fingers, conscious for
the first time of my clenched fists, and even opened and closed
them once or twice to prove their relaxation.

"That's better. Now--won't you try to remember that I am
responsible for your being here, and be careful?"

"Then take me away from here and put me with the crew. I am stronger
now. Ask the captain to give me a man's work. This--this is a
housemaid's occupation."

"We prefer to have you here," she said coldly; and then, evidently
repenting her manner: "We need a man here, Leslie. Better stay.
Are you comfortable in the forecastle?"

"Yes, Miss Lee."

"And the food is all right?"

"The cook says I am eating two men's rations."

She turned to leave, smiling. It was the first time she had thrown
even a fleeting smile my way, and it went to my head.