Page:The Great Secret.djvu/63

Rh "That is sharp enough for me," replied Philip, with a slight laugh, feeling how helpless his present position was, while a nightmare-like chill went over him and dewed his back with ice-drops, for he thought for a moment that the man had been ordered to slay him; then the other also laughed and withdrew the blade.

"Au revoir! I shall come again presently," said the man, as he drew himself up and went out, the captain locking the door behind him.

"Who is he?" whispered Philip.

"My husband's confidant and friend. I thought he was going to stab you," answered Adela.

"So did I," replied Philip faintly, as he took out his handkerchief and wiped his damp brow.

It was becoming demoralising as well as maddening, this dallying with doom. Philip felt after that last experience that he must do something to assert his manhood and keep himself from becoming a coward.

"Adela, I can stand no more of this. I must ask the captain to begin the war; forgive me if I leave you."

"As you like, Philip; it cannot be long either way," replied Adela, as she released his hand and folded her own over her bosom.

"Captain Nelson," he cried, as he rose up with a leap and went to the table, "you don't know the men we have to deal with, that you wait here and allow them to mature their devilish plans. Let us make a rush at them instead."

He took up two revolvers as he spoke, and a cutlass, while the captain eyed him steadily.

"Yes; perhaps you are right, Mr Mortlake. I am also getting a bit tired of the waiting game. Say, gentlemen, who volunteers for the charge?"

A couple of the passengers seized upon arms with the