Johnston McCulley

“ Captain Adams patted her shoulder.
"Don't worry, girl," he said. "It isn't as bad as you think. I've a good notion that the man you want will meet up with you soon. I'm pretty sure he's on a craft that's going to follow us down the coast. You just make yourself comfortable aboard. It'd do me good to see you meet him, and I'll arrange it if I can. My niece is aboard, and she'll be company for you. And there is Jack Connor, too."
The captain chuckled as another thought came to him. "It is fortunate Connor is my new mate," he said. "I think he likes you, girl." ”

“ If she thought Connor returned her affection she'd pay considerable attention to him. It would prove another barrier between Connor and Norene.
Captain Adams didn't think another barrier was needed, but it was better to be on the safe side.
It happened that at that moment Connor and Morgan came from the forecastle. Connor and Sally Wood faced each other across six feet of deck.
"You?" Connor gasped. "For the love of Heaven, Sally, what are you doing here?"
"She came to find her husband, the man who deserted her," the captain said. "Riney was the man." ”

“ The girl's face flushed as she replied:
"I have done nothing to put the police on me, sir."
"I guess you'll have to explain. When a woman does what you have done—sneaks aboard a vessel—there must be some compelling reason. ”