MONSIEUR LEARNS SOMETHING
de-Fer scowled darkly a moment, and even took a step in her direction, but she stood undaunted. With an assumption of carelessness he waved his hands, and presently they were alone.
“I thank you for that condescension,” she said at last.
“Speak your will quickly, madame. I am in a press of business.”
“You must hear me to the end, monsieur. No matter what—”
“Ma foi, madame,” he sneered. “Is it you who command the ship or I? If there is aught you require, say on. If not, you will go below at once.”
“You must hear me, monsieur.”
“Madame”—he scowled and spoke with a studied brutality—“is it not enough that I have done your will once? I am taking you to safety. Try me not too far or—you may find reason to regret your presumption.” And as she shrank a little away from him: “What have you to expect from me? By what right do you seek me or ask me any favor?”
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