Descending into the depths of the ship, the captain conducted his charge
into a part of the berth-deck, that was below the water line, and as much
removed from danger as she could well be, without encountering a foul air,
or sights that might be painful to one of her sex and habits.
"Here is as much safety as a vessel of war affords in a moment like this,"
he said, when his companion was silently seated on a mess-chest. "On no
account quit the spot, till I--or some other, advise you it may be done
without hazard."
Alida had submitted to be led thither, without a question. Though her
color went and came, she saw the little dispositions that were made for
her comfort, and without which, even at that moment, the young sailor
could not quit her, in the same silence. But when they were ended, and her
conductor was about to retire, his name escaped her lips, by an
exclamation that seemed hurried and involuntary.
"Can I do aught else to quiet your apprehensions?" the young man inquired,
though he studiously avoided her eye, as he turned to put the question. "I
know your strength of mind, and that you have a resolution which exceeds
the courage of your sex; else I would not venture so freely to point out
the danger which may beset one, even here, without a self-command and
discretion that shall restrain all sudden impulses of fear."
"Notwithstanding your generous interpretation of my character, Ludlow, I
am but woman after all.
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