The captain reached them before he had done more than stupidly gaze at
her, and unceremoniously flinging him one side, said, "Give her air,
you brute! It's lucky for you if you haven't killed her!"
He laid her back on the grass, flinging the snake far away, and the
excited women gathered around. Just at this instant the launch sounded
its summons for departure, and Captain Hosmer knew, if he would meet an
important engagement at noon, he must not let her sail without him.
Meanwhile, the drunken husband was bridling and threatening, claiming
that the man had insulted him--yes, "actually had the audacity to lay
hands on him, begad!" The captain did not notice him any more than if
he had been a puppy snarling at his heels.
"We'll have to go," he said to one of the women, who looked more
sensible than the rest. "A little water will revive her, but another
such fright may be the death of her, with her heart giving out like
that. You look after her, and get her home--" He stopped. "Poor
creature! Where on earth is there a home for her?" With a stern
visage he offered an arm to each of his daughters.
"We'll have to hurry, girlies. We must leave her to her friends. But
mind me! Before I ever let one of you marry a drinking man I'll shut
you up in the hold of the old 'International,' and batten down the
hatches! Do you hear?"
Neither attempted to answer, but Hope looked sober as he helped them
aboard the launch, which was all steamed up ready for the start.
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