His hand sought her own, where it gripped for support, and closed over it warmly.
"It cannot be as bad as it seems," he insisted, trying to say the words cheerfully.

"I know these waters, and they are never long deserted.

Luck will change surely; perhaps within the hour we shall be picked up, and can laugh at all this experience." She lifted her head, and their eyes met frankly.
"I am not afraid," she protested.

"Not physically, at least.

Truly I have not felt fear since you joined me, Captain West.