I could fain weep rather than be thought valiant, just
now!"
Ludlow listened in wonder. He had raised an arm to arrest the retreat of
the young mariner, and by a natural movement his hand slid along the limb
it had grasped, until it held that of Seadrift. The instant he touched the
soft and ungloved palm, an idea, as novel as it was sudden, crossed his
brain. Retreating a step or two, he examined the light and agile form of
the other, from head to feet. The frown of displeasure, which had clouded
his brow, changed to a look of unfeigned surprise; and for the first time,
the tones of the voice came over his recollection as being softer and more
melodious than is wont in man.
"Truly, thou art not the 'Skimmer of the Seas!'" he exclaimed, when his
short examination was ended.
"No truth more certain. I am one of little account in this rude encounter,
though, were that gallant seaman here," and the color deepened on the
cheeks of Seadrift as he spoke, "his arm and counsel might prove a host!
Oh! I have seen him in scenes far more trying than this, when the elements
have conspired with other dangers. The example of his steadiness and
spirit has given courage even to the feeblest heart in the brigantine!
Now, suffer me to offer consolation to the timid Alida."
"I should little merit her gratitude, were the request refused," returned
Ludlow. "Go, gay and gallant Master Seadrift! if the enemy fears thy
presence on the deck as little as I dread it with la belle Barberie, thy
services here will be useless!"
Seadrift colored to the temples, crossed his arms meekly on his bosom,
sunk in an attitude of leave-taking, that was so equivocal as to cause the
attentive and critical young captain to smile, and then glided past him
and disappeared through a hatchway.
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