"You just touch that ladder, and
you will find my bleeding body here, not a living person!"
Hugh sat in the boat irresolute, not knowing what to do.
"I cannot leave you there, Dexie; you _must_ come back to me, and come
quickly before you are discovered. I swear I will row you home at once, and
not trouble you with a word," and the boat almost touched the vessel's
side. It was heavily laden, and sat low in the water, and Dexie felt the
distance between them was very short indeed. If Hugh insisted on reaching
her, the struggle would be short and soon over, for nothing would persuade
her to go back in the boat with Hugh again. She raised her arm; and the
sound of a shot was sent over the water, followed simultaneously with a
sharp, splintering sound, as the little leaden missile tore its way along
the stern of the little boat.
Dexie look around, expecting the sound would surely bring someone from
below, and if that someone was not sober, Hugh was still near enough to
help her. But no one appeared; she seemed the only living person on board.
She looked back at Hugh. She had not hurt him, nor had she intended to do
so, but she struck much nearer than she knew, and Hugh went back a stroke
or two.
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