Wangel. Well, wasn't it?

Ellida. No!

Wangel. Not he? Then I don't in the least understand.

Ellida. Can you remember that late in the autumn a large American
ship once put into Skjoldviken for repairs?

Wangel. Yes, I remember it very well. It was on board that ship
that the captain was found one morning in his cabin--murdered. I
myself went out to make the post-mortem.

Ellida. Yes, it was you.

Wangel. It was the second mate who had murdered him.

Ellida. No one can say that. For it was never proved.

Wangel. There was enough against him anyhow, or why should he
have drowned himself as he did?

Ellida. He did not drown himself. He sailed in a ship to the
north.

Wangel (startled). How do you know?

Ellida (with an effort). Well, Wangel--it was this second mate to
whom I was--betrothed.