But while Davidson was promising to go on board and fetch some medicines, and generally trying to say reassuring things, he could not help being struck by the extraordinary manner of the woman standing by his side.

Gazing with despairing expression down at the cot, she would suddenly throw a quick, startled glance at Davidson and then towards the other room.
"'Yes, my poor girl,' he whispered, interpreting her distraction in his own way, though he had nothing precise in his mind.

'I'm afraid this bodes no good to you.

How is it they are here ?' "She seized his forearm and breathed out forcibly: 'No good to me! Oh, no! But what about you! They are after the dollars you have on board.' "Davidson let out an astonished 'How do they know there are any dollars ?' "She clapped her hands lightly, in distress.

'So it's true! You have them on board?
Then look out for yourself.' "They stood gazing down at the boy in the cot, aware that they might be observed from the other room.
"'We must get him to perspire as soon as possible,' said Davidson in his ordinary voice.