"Voyages are always dangerous--that's all."
"He means more than he says," thought the doctor; and he followed the
captain with his eyes as he went forward, stopped, and spoke a few words
to Hester and Mr Parkley, who were still sitting together, and then
joined Dutch, who was, according to his wont, gazing over the bulwark
far out to sea.
"Pugh," he said, holding out his cigar-case, for several of the men were
standing about, and he thought it better not to seem to be making a
communication, "I've got something on my mind, and of all the men on
board you are the one I have chosen to make my confidant."
Dutch's eyes brightened, and he turned to the captain eagerly.
"What can I do?" he asked.
"Nothing--only listen. Perhaps this is only a mare's nest; but I've had
so much to do with men, that I am rather a keen observer."
"Is there any danger--anything wrong?" exclaimed Dutch, glancing
involuntarily towards his wife.
"Danger or no danger," replied the captain, "life is very uncertain, and
if you will excuse me for saying it, I don't think you would like to
die, or see her die,"--he nodded in the direction of the spot where
Hester was sitting--"without clasping hands once more."