But that would only render it necessary that I should work harder,鈥� returned Jessie, without checking the pace of the needles.

Ruth did not as the reader knows, require to ask this question, but she put it as a sort of feeler to ascertain how far Billy might be inclined to assist her.

I can鈥檛 understand it, Evan,鈥� he said to his mate when the latter came on deck a little after midnight to relieve him. A feeling as if something was going to happen has taken possession of me, and I can鈥檛 shake it off. You know I鈥檓 not the man to fancy danger when there鈥檚 none.鈥�