The After House

Before I went below that morning, I suggested that some of the spare

canvas be used to erect a shelter on the after deck, and this was

done. The rain by that time was driving steadily--a summer rain

without wind. The men seemed glad to have occupation, and, from that

time on, the tent which they erected over the hatchway aft of the

wheel was their living and eating quarters. It added something to

their comfort: I was not so certain that it added to their security.

Tuner was violent that day. I found all four women awake and dressed,

and Mrs. Turner, whose hour it was on duty, in a chair outside the

door. The stewardess, her arm in a sling, was making tea over a

spirit-lamp, and Elsa was helping her. Mrs. Johns was stretched on

a divan, and on the table lay a small revolver.

Clearly, Elsa had told the incident of the key. I felt at once the

atmosphere of antagonism. Mrs. Johns watched me coolly from under

lowered eyelids. The stewardess openly scowled. And Mrs. Turner

rose hastily, and glanced at Mrs. Johns, as if in doubt. Elsa had

her back to me, and was busy with the cups.

"I'm afraid you've had a bad night," I said.

"A very bad night," Mrs. Turner replied stiffly.

"Delirium?"

"Very marked. He has talked of a white figure--we cannot quite

make it out. It seems to be Wilmer--Mr. Vail."

She had not opened the door, but stood, nervously twisting her

fingers, before it.

"The bromides had no effect?"

She glanced helplessly at the others. "None," she said, after a

moment.

Elsa Lee wheeled suddenly and glanced scornfully at her sister.

"Why don't you tell him?" she demanded. "Why don't you say you

didn't give the bromides?"

"Why not?"

Mrs. Johns raised herself on her elbow and looked at me.

"Why should we?" she asked. "How do we know what you are giving

him? You are not friendly to him or to us. We know what you are

trying to do--you are trying to save yourself, at any cost. You

put a guard at the companionway. You rail off the deck for our

safety. You drop the storeroom key in Mr. Turner's cabin, where

Elsa will find it, and will be obliged to acknowledge she found it,

and then take it from her by force, so you can show it later on

and save yourself!"

Elsa turned on her quickly.

"I told you how he got it, Adele. I tried to throw it--"

"Oh, if you intend to protect him!"

"I am rather bewildered," I said slowly; "but, under the

circumstances, I suppose you do not wish me to look after Mr.

Turner?"

"We think not"--from Mrs. Turner.

"How will you manage alone?"