She read his thoughts, had guessed his suspicion, and he was wrong.
"You--you will have a seat, Miss Standish ?" he asked lamely, inclining his head toward the cabin chair.
"No.

Please let me stand." She drew in a deep breath.

"It is late, Mr.
Holt ?" "Rather an irregular hour for a visit such as this," he assured her.
"Half an hour after midnight, to be exact.

It must be very important business that has urged you to make such a hazard aboard ship, Miss Standish." For a moment she did not answer him, and he saw the little heart-throb in her white throat.
"Would Belinda Mulrooney have considered this a very great hazard, Mr.
Holt?
In a matter of life and death, do you not think she would have come to your cabin at midnight--even aboard ship?
And it is that with me--a matter of life and death.

Less than an hour ago I came to that decision.