The fierceness of his answer took me aback.

“No. I’ll have no truck with you or with any woman. Do your damnedest.”

As before, my own temper began to rise.

“Perhaps,” I said, “you don’t realize how much in my power you are? A word from me to the captain⁠—”

“Say it,” he sneered. Then advancing with a quick step: “And whilst we’re realizing things, my girl, do you realize that you’re in my power this minute? I could take you by the throat like this.” With a swift gesture he suited the action to the word. I felt his two hands clasp my throat and press⁠—ever so little. “Like this⁠—and squeeze the life out of you! And then⁠—like our unconscious friend here, but with more success⁠—fling your dead body to the sharks. What do you say to that?”