"You must not keep us prisoners any longer, Leslie," she said.
"Put a guard over us, if you must, but let us up in the air."

"This afternoon, Miss Lee," I said. "This morning you are better
below."

She understood me, but she had no conception of the brutality of
the crime, even then.

"I am not a child. I wish to see them. I shall have to testify--"

"You will not see them, Miss Lee."

She stood twisting her handkerchief in her hands. She saw Charlie
Jones pacing the length of the cabin, revolver in hand. From the
chartroom came the sound of hammering, where the after companion
door, already locked, was being additionally secured with strips
of wood nailed across.

"I understand," she said finally. "Will you take me to Karen's
room?"

I could see no reason for objecting; but so thorough was the panic
that had infected us all that I would not allow her in until I had
preceded her, and had searched in the clothes closet and under the
two bunks. Williams had not reached this room yet, and there was a
pool of blood on the floor.

She had a great deal of courage. She glanced at the stain, and
looked away again quickly.