Part 37 (1/2)
”You only inconvenience yourself,” he said indifferently. ”Well, my Quixote, stay here then, in the dark, shackled, and alone.”
He held back the door, motioning the others into the outer cabin. Miss Van Arlen stood still, leaning against the bulkhead.
Landon made another gesture towards the door. ”Ladies first,” he smiled.
”While we play at pirates, let us maintain the high standard of piratical courtesy.”
She shook her head.
”I prefer to stay,” she said quietly.
Landon's surprise escaped in an exclamation. And then he laughed--an evil, sneering laugh, which brimmed with insolence and suggestion.
”You--prefer--to stay?” he repeated, and looked from her to the man who lay at his feet. ”Was my chance shot so far from the target?” he asked.
”You will stay with--whom? Not a lover?”
Her eyes were stormy, but her voice was restrained.
”Even your insolence does not turn me from my duty,” she answered.
”Captain Aylmer has served, and is suffering for, me and mine.”
She turned her eyes from his as she spoke and, as if some power outside herself compelled her, let them meet the glance which Aylmer flung at her from the level of the floor. Through a pregnant moment she read its message--surprise, incredulity, and then hope. These lit fires in it one by one, but the last eclipsed all other gleams, and remained.
He spoke.
”Thank you,” he said simply. ”But I am not here to add to your hards.h.i.+ps. I cannot accept the sacrifice.”
”The decision is with me,” she said quietly, but with determination. ”It is settled. I remain here, with Captain Aylmer.”
Landon was still smiling.
”It has its unconventional side, this decision of yours,” he said. ”I must remind you of that.”
”You need remind me of nothing,” she answered. ”I stay; that is all.”
He shook his head.
”Not quite all,” he objected. ”I must, of course, have a promise from you that you will not interfere with Captain Aylmer's bonds in any way.”
She nodded.
”Very well,” she said laconically. ”I promise.”
Still Landon hesitated, his hand upon the door.
”And you?” he said suddenly, looking at his cousin. ”You shall give me your word not to let her touch you.”
Aylmer's eyes sparkled with rage.
”Have you not got her word, you _dog_!” he answered, and there was an intonation on the last syllable which seemed to sting even Landon's imperturbability. For he made a threatening step forward.