Difficult as this task would prove--at least until I could make some explanation to her--it was the sensible course to pursue.

I hardened myself to it, my eyes on the outlines of the man's face, as he shuffled the papers on his desk.
"Do you mind telling me where this vessel is bound ?" I asked, not only curious to learn, but also anxious to break the silence.
"No objections whatever, Craig, if I knew myself," he answered carelessly.

"The _Sea Gull_ being my property sails on my orders, and, at present, those orders are merely to put out to sea." "You spoke of leaving the lady ashore at New Orleans." "Oh, back at the house?
You overheard that?
Well, I am not above changing my mind in such matters.

From what you have just told me I infer the young woman is more dangerous than I had supposed.

Perhaps some foreign port would be the safer landing place.