"
"That sounds very simple--and European," she said, and the pathetic
sarcasm was not lost on him.
"It is reasonable enough. Unfortunately for us, all the bother centers
round Senhor De Sylva, to whom we owe our lives. He is outside at the
moment, showing our skipper the lay of the land before the light fails,
so I am free to speak plainly. When he is dead there will be no
further trouble, till the next revolution. But why endeavor to look
ahead when seeing is impossible? At present, what really presses is
the necessity that you should eat and drink. We have shared out the
whole of the available food. Here is your portion. We deemed it best
to give the men one square meal. They know now that they must earn the
next one."
With each instant her perceptive powers were quickening. She was aware
that he had deliberately avoided the main issue. De Sylva's probable
death implied a good deal, but it was the supreme test of her courage
that she refrained from useless questioning. Yet she thrust aside the
two bananas and supply of dried meat and crusts that Hozier placed
before her.
"I cannot eat," she murmured, striving to control her voice.
"But you must. It is imperative. You would not wish to break down at
the very moment your best energies will be in demand.
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