His orders were rapidly executed, and the long, graceful vessel began almost imperceptibly to move through the water. "If it is any trick," said the captain, as he went aft to the man he had stationed at the wheel, "it shall take place at sea. What's that?" He turned back instantly, for at that moment what sounded like a slight scuffle was heard by the gangway he had left. STORY ONE, CHAPTER ELEVEN. IN BESSY'S CABIN. So determined was Captain Studwick not to be lightly trifled with that a pistol was in his hand as he ran back to the side, but his alarm was unnecessary, for the scuffling noise was caused merely by Mr Parkley catching their visitor as she tottered and nearly fell on the deck. "Let me see my husband, Mr Parkley," she moaned, "for pity's sake let me see my husband. If I saw him and spoke to him, he would listen to me." "But, my dear child," began Mr Parkley. "I shall die if I do not see him," she moaned again. "I have been so ill--I have suffered so much, and this evening the news came that he was going away--away without seeing me. Oh, God, what have I done that I should suffer so!" "My dear child--my dear Mrs Pugh." "I must see him--pray, pray take me to him," she sobbed, "it is more than I can--more than I can bear." Mr Parkley caught her again just in time, for she swooned away, and laying her upon the deck he tried hard to restore her. Then looking up he became aware that the lights of the town were fast receding. "Why, Studwick," he exclaimed, "the schooner's moving." "Yes," said the captain. "But the boat this poor girl came off in?" "Ashore by this time." "But we can't take her. Hang it, man, we cannot have domestic differences on board. She must go back." "We must now land her at Plymouth," said the captain. "Send for my Bessy, man, she will soon bring her to. How foolish of the little woman to come aboard." "Shall I fetch the young lady, sir?" said Sam Oakum gruffly, as he stood with a look of disgust upon his face. "Yes, for goodness' sake, do. Quick!" exclaimed Mr Parkley, whose efforts to restore animation were all in vain. Just as Sam went aft, though, Mrs Pugh began to revive, stared wildly about, and sitting up saw the captain bending over her. "Captain Studwick," she cried, catching his hand and drawing herself upon her knees to cling to him, "don't send me back--don't send me away. Let me go too. I could not bear to part from my husband like this. He is angry with me," she whispered, "I cannot tell you why, but he has not spoken to me for days, and I have been so--so ill." "Yes, yes, you shall see him, my dear, but stand up. You must not make a scene." "Oh no," she exclaimed, rising hastily, "I will do anything you say, only let me see him and explain. Let me go with, you. If I could talk to him he would believe me, and all would be well again. If not," she said with a hysterical cry, "I shall go mad--I shall go mad."