It was the present horror that had confronted her, not a trial in court.
"Martha has a brother," she said at last, "who has a business of some kind, and who might help.

If you will bring her to me, she can find him." "You don't remember what his business is ?" he continued.
"I think it is something to do with fitting out ships.

He was once a mate on one of my father's vessels and--" She stopped abruptly, frightened now at her own indiscretion.

She had been wrong in wanting to send for Stephen, even in referring to him.
Whatever befell her, she was determined that her people at home should not suffer further on her account.
Father Cruse had caught the look, and his heart gave a bound, though no gesture betrayed him.

"You have not told me your name," he said simply--as if it were a matter of routine in cases like hers.
She glanced at him quickly.