"So did I, Miss Denning," I said; "but that's what it is. I never thought of it before, but I suppose we must have a very valuable cargo on board." "Yes, my brother said there was a large sum in specie." "Money, that is, isn't it?" I said. "Well then, that's what has tempted the scoundrels. But don't you be frightened. Mr Frewen and the rest will take care that the blackguards don't get into the cabin, and I'm going to try if I cannot fight too." She pressed my hand and smiled sadly. "Yes, I know you and your brother midshipman will be very brave and fight for us," she said, with a quiet satisfied nod of the head, and I winced as I thought about Walters; but she did not notice it, and went on, "You had a very narrow escape, did you not?" "Oh, I had to run and dodge about in the dark, and then came down a rope," I replied; "but that was nothing much." And as I spoke I could see that she was hardly paying any attention to my words, but watching the cabin-door and listening. "Tell me how my brother is," she whispered. "Is he quite safe?" "Oh yes, and on guard." "He is so ill and weak, it frightens me," she said; "but he will not listen to me and stay here." "No," I replied, "how could he as an English gentleman at a time like this!" She gave me a quick, half-resentful look; but her face lit-up directly and she smiled. "I suppose you are right," she said with a sigh. "It is so hard to be a woman, and not be able to help. I should not mind so much if I could be busy." "But there is nothing to do now, Miss Denning," I said,--"that is, for you. There, I must go now." "Tell me though--my brother ordered me to stay here in the cabin--tell me--couldn't I be of some help? The captain and mate are both wounded, are they not?" "Yes, a little," I said encouragingly; "but Mr Frewen has seen to them. Shall I ask him if you can come and attend on the captain?" "Yes; do!" she cried. Then quickly--"No, no! I must go by what my brother says." "And I must go out in the saloon and help. When all is safe I shall see you again." "When all is safe," she whispered despondently. "Yes, and it is going to be. Oh, it will be all right. May I take this?" I pointed to a chest, and she tried to say yes, but only gave a nod; and shouldering the little box, I hurried with it to find that it was not wanted, for Mr Frewen was just forcing one in between the top of the pile and the ceiling, by standing upon a box which Mr Preddle was holding steady. CHAPTER THIRTEEN. "Oh dear me--dear me, Alison Dale," said Mr Preddle, rising up from his stooping position very slowly and wiping his broad fat face, which was covered with drops of perspiration, "this is a very sad business, isn't it?" "Horrible!" I said, "but it will all come right." He laid his hand upon my shoulder. "Come into my cabin," he whispered; and I followed him. "You think it will come right?" he said, looking at me in a terribly perplexed way.