He answered her in the worst possible manner; he answered evasively.
"My dear Clara," he said, "what have I done that you should suspect me of deceiving you ?" She looked him searchingly in the face, then glanced with renewed distrust at Mrs.Crayford.There was a moment of silence.

Before any of the three could speak again, they were interrupted by the appearance of one of Crayford's brother officers, followed by two sailors carrying a hamper between them.

Crayford instantly dropped Clara's arm, and seized the welcome opportunity of speaking of other things.
"Any instructions from the ship, Steventon ?" he asked, approaching the officer.
"Verbal instructions only," Steventon replied.

"The ship will sail with the flood-tide.

We shall fire a gun to collect the people, and send another boat ashore.