"Who gave you permission?"

"Nobody. There wasn't time."

"There wasn't TIME, eh? Which one of you conceived the novel
scheme of stowing away ladies in your cabin? Whose is she? Quick!
Answer me." Indignation was vibrant in his voice.

"Oh!" the girl cried--her eyes widening darkly. She stood slim and
pale and slightly trembling.

His words had cut her bitterly, though through it all he had
scrupulously avoided addressing her.

The captain turned to Glenister, who had entered and closed the
door.

"Is this your work? Is she yours?"

"No," he answered quietly, while Dextry chimed in:

"Better hear details, captain, before you make breaks like that.
We helped the lady side-step some sailors last night and we most
got left doing it. It was up to her to make a quick get-away, so
we helped her aboard."

"A poor story! What was she running away from?" He still addressed
the men, ignoring her completely, till, with hoarse voice, she
broke in: