Dan'l said: "Faith and Brander are together, on deck, whispering...." He
banged his clenched fist into his open hand. "By God, sir.... I've grown
up with Faith; I like her.... But I can't stand by and see them do this
to you...."
"What are they about?" Noll asked, his face flushing. He was on his
feet. Dan'l gripped his arm....
"I heard her promise him you would soon be gone, sir.... That you were
sick.... That you...."
Noll strode into the cabin; Dan'l whispered: "Quiet! Come...." He led
him to the foot of the companion-stair, bade him listen.
And it was then the malicious gods played into Dan'l's evil hands; for
as they listened, Faith was saying.... "Try to make him like you.... But
be careful. He doesn't, now.... If he guessed...."
Brander said something which they could not hear; a single word; and
Faith cried:
"You can. You're a man. He can't help admiring you in the end. I--" She
hesitated, said helplessly: "I'm putting myself into your hands...."