Kate Bonnet | Page 8

Frank R. Stockton
away," he said, "but I
will try." And then he shouted, but the man paid no attention, and kept on rowing to
shore.
"I thought it was too far," he said, "but your father will be back soon; he sent that
message to me. And now, fair mistress, what can we do for you? Shall it be that we send
you some supper? Or, as your cabin is ready, would you prefer to step down to it and wait
there for your father?"
"No," said she, "I will wait here for my father. I want nothing."
So, with a bow he strode away, and presently Dickory came back. She drew near to him
and whispered. "Dickory," she said, "what shall I do? Shall I scream and wave my
handkerchief? Perhaps they may see and hear me from the town."
"No," said Dickory, "I would not do that. The night is coming on, and the sky is cloudy.
And besides, if you make a noise, those fellows might do something."
"Oh, Dickory, what shall I do?"
"You must wait for your father," he said; "he must be here soon, and the moment you see
him, call to him and make him take you to shore. You should both of you get away from
this vessel as soon as you can."
For a moment the girl reflected. "Dickory," said she, "I wish you would take a message
for me to Master Martin Newcombe. He may be able to get here to me even before my
father arrives."

Dickory Charter knew Mr. Newcombe, and he had heard what many people had talked
about, that he was courting Major Bonnet's daughter. The day before Dickory would not
have cared who the young planter was courting, but this evening, even to his own
surprise, he cared very much. He was intensely interested in Kate, and he did not desire
to help Martin Newcombe to take an interest in her. Besides, he spoke honestly as he said:
"And who would there be to take care of you? No, indeed, I will not leave you."
"Then row to the town," said she, "and have a boat sent for me."
He shook his head. "No," he said, "I will not leave you."
Her eyes flashed. "You should do what you are commanded to do!" and in her excitement
she almost forgot to whisper.
He shook his head and left her.

CHAPTER III
THE TWO CLOCKS
It was already beginning to grow dark. She sat, and she sat; she waited, and she waited;
and at last she wept, but very quietly. Her father did not come; Ben Greenway was not
there; and even that Charter boy had gone. A man came aft to her; a mild-faced, elderly
man, with further offers of refreshment and an invitation to go below out of the night air.
But she would have nothing; and as she sadly waited and gently wept, it began to grow
truly dark. Presently, as she sat, one arm leaning on the rail, she heard a voice close to her
ear, and she gave a great start.
"It is only Dickory," whispered the voice.
Then she put her head near him and was glad enough to have put her arms around his
neck.
"I have heard a great deal more," whispered Dickory; "these men are dreadful. They do
not know what keeps your father, although they have suspicions which I could not make
out; but if he does not come on board by ten o'clock they will sail without him, and
without his cash-box."
"And what of me?" she almost cried, "what of me?"
"They will take you with them," said he; "that's the only thing for them to do. But don't
be frightened, don't tremble. You must leave this vessel."
"But how?" she said.
"Oh! I will attend to that," he answered, "if you will listen to me and do everything I tell

you. We can't go until it is dark, but while it is light enough for you to see things I will
show you what you must do. Now, look down over the side of the vessel."
She leaned over and looked down. He was apparently clinging to the side with his head
barely reaching the top of the rail.
"Do you see this bit of ledge I am standing on?" he asked. "Could you get out and stand
on this, holding to this piece of rope as I do?"
"Yes," said she, "I could do that."
"Then, still holding to the rope, could you lower yourself down from the ledge and hang
to it with your hands?"
"And drop into your boat?" said she. "Yes, I could do that."
"No," said he, "not drop into my boat. It would kill you if you fell into the
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