A Lad's Trousers

Zalanthea is a runaway slave, however not by choice.
While emptying chamber pots she's attacked by a Union Soldier, and in the process of defending herself she kills him accidentally.
She knows unless she flees she'll be dead by morning; so she steals the town drunk's clothes to disguise herself as a boy.
Thinking her a lad First Mate Wooldridge offers her a job on board ship.
Zayla is surprised when Wooldridge delivers her to the captain, and she realizes just why he's been dubbed the name Stone.

The piercing gray eyes say all he doesn't...