"Don't come any nearer, I warn you!" she cried. "I hold the revolver now,
and I shall not scruple to use it for my own safety."
"Dexie, how did you get there?" was the relieved reply. "Put down that
revolver before you do harm with it. You must come back in the boat! Do you
think you are safe among a lot of sailors!"
Hugh seemed perfectly sane how, whatever may have been the condition of his
mind previously, and he shuddered as her unprotected condition flashed over
him.
"Keep off, McNeil! don't come any nearer at your own peril! I will trust
myself among a shipload of drunken sailors before I will put myself in your
power again."
"Dexie, I'll give you my word of honor to take you home at once, if you
will leave the vessel. Come, you need not fear me any more; I think I must
have been mad."
"Keep off, I tell you! I am not so foolish as you think! I don't forget you
prepared that revolver in your sober senses, whatever may have been your
state of mind awhile ago. Keep back, or you shall have the bullet you
prepared for me!"
What could he do? She seemed terribly in earnest, yet, if she did not come
back with him, how should she be able to return at all? Should he make a
dash and rescue her against her will? She seemed to define his thoughts,
for she leaned over the side, saying:
"Go at once, and send someone for me, for if I ever reach Halifax again it
won't be under your care! Go, I say! I hate you! I _hate_ you! You need not
try to reach me," as Hugh rowed nearer.
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