The Mucker · Part I · Chapter 1 6 (2/2)

“You might, with propriety suggest this to him, telling him that you believe that I would stand ready to assist in the undertaking. I can promise you the support of several of the men⁠—quite a sufficient number with Divine and myself, easily to take the Halfmoon away from her present officers.”

“I will think over your suggestion, Mr. Theriere,” replied Barbara, “and I thank you for the generous impulse that has prompted you to befriend me⁠—heaven knows how badly I need a friend now among so many enemies. What is it, Mr. Theriere? What is the matter?”

The officer had turned his eyes casually toward the southeast as the girl spoke, and just now he had given a sudden exclamation of surprise and alarm.

“That cloud, Miss Harding,” he answered. “We’re in for a bad blow, and it’ll be on us in a minute,” and with that he started forward on a run, calling back over his shoulder, “you’d better go below at once.”