I want to--" "You'll tell me nothin'! Will you act square with her ?" "I must tell you first.

You wouldn't understand unless--" "You won't?
That's what you mean--you mean you WON'T! Damn ye!" The captain raised his clenched fist, quivered for an instant as if struggling against something beyond his control, dropped it slowly to his side and whirling suddenly, strode back up the beach.
Bart staggered back against the planking, threw out his hand to keep from falling, and watched his father's uncertain, stumbling figure until he was swallowed up in the gloom.

The words rang in his ears like a knell.

The realization of his position and what it meant, and might mean, rushed over him.

For an instant he leaned heavily against the planking until he had caught his breath.