The mulatto stood up, but in a half-averted way, and displayed a curious sinister expression, caused by what appeared to be a scar across his cheek, while his eyes seemed shifty and unable to meet the speaker's gaze. "What is your name?" "Tonio," said the mulatto. "Well, Tonio, mind this: You are engaged here for good pay. I always see that my men are well supplied in their mess, and, in return, I expect smart work and strict obedience. Do you understand?" "Yes, captain," said the man, in a tone half sulky, half-full of humiliation. "That will do. Now go and help that fellow to take a pull at the jib." The man went limping off, but with great alacrity, passing Dutch, who came back looking very stern and angry. "Captain Studwick, I must ask you to put in at Plymouth. Mr Parkley, she must be set ashore." "But, my dear boy, had you not better see her first. I'm--I'm afraid she will object to go without." "No," said Dutch sternly, and he gazed at both in turn. "She must be set ashore as soon as possible." Captain Studwick walked forward again, whistling, and then pulling out his glass he took a look at a fast steamer astern. "Parkley," said Dutch, as soon as they were alone, "I could not say it before him, but I have not the manly strength to see her. I am weak as water, and I could not bear to see her agony. Tell her," he added with his lower lip working, "that I forgive her, and will pray for her, but I can never see her again." "But, my dear Pugh, you must--" "Good morning, gentlemen," said a voice that made them start; and turning sharply round, it was to find Mr Meldon, the young doctor. "I wanted to see you, Mr Pugh." "To see me?" "Yes, about Mrs Pugh. You know she came on board last night." "Yes, I know," said Pugh, coldly. "She must have left her sick bed to come and see you, I suppose. It was a very ill-advised course, for she was ill." "Yes," exclaimed Dutch, with an eagerness he could not conceal. "And I am sorry to say that she is now in a high state of fever." "Fever!" "Yes, and quite delirious." "We must put back, then," exclaimed Dutch. "She must be set ashore-- taken home." "I should not like to take the responsibility of having her moved," said the doctor. "If you will take my advice, you will let her remain." "Let her remain?" gasped Dutch. "Impossible!" "No," said the doctor, smiling; "the removal is impossible." "Is she in danger?" "Not necessarily now; but she would be in great danger if moved. I'm afraid I must ask you to leave her to me. It is fortunate that I was on board, and that she has so good a nurse with her as Miss Studwick." Dutch essayed to speak, but no words came, and drawing in his breath as if in intense pain he walked to the side and stood with his head resting upon his hand, looking out to sea, and wondering how this tangle was to be ended.