we couldn't find either of them. I
shouldn't be at all surprised if he has been picked up by some vessel
outward bound. Stranger things have happened."

The girl shook her head. "You didn't go overboard after him?" she asked,
quietly.

"I did not," said the mate, who was somewhat tired of this tactless
question; "I had to stand by the ship, and besides, he was a much better
swimmer than I am--I did the best I could."

Miss Tyrell bowed her head in answer. "Yes," she said, softly.

"If there's anything I can do," said Fraser, awkwardly, "or be of use to
you in any way, I hope you'll let me know--Flower told me you were all
alone, and--"

He broke off suddenly as he saw the girl's lips quiver. "I was very fond
of my father," she said, in extenuation of this weakness.

"I suppose you've got some relatives?" said Fraser.

The girl shook her head.

"No cousins?" said Fraser, staring. He had twenty-three himself.

"I have some in New Zealand," said Poppy, considering. "If I could, I
think I should go out there."

"And give up your business here?" enquired the mate, anxiously.

"It gave me up," said Poppy, with a little tremulous laugh. "I had
a week's pay instead of notice the day before yesterday. If you know
anybody who wants a clerk who spells 'impatient' with a 'y' and is
off-hand when they are told of it, you might let me know."

The mate stared at her blankly. This was a far more serious case than
Captain Flower's. "What are you going to do?" he asked.

"Try for another berth," was the reply.

"But if you don't get it?"

"I shall get it sooner or later," said the girl.

"But suppose you don't get one for a long time?" suggested Fraser.

"I must wait till I do," said the girl, quietly.

"You see," continued the mate, twisting his hands, "it might be a long
job, and I--I was wondering--what you would do in the meantime. I was
wondering whether you could hold out."

"Hold out?" repeated Miss Tyrell, very coldly.

"Whether you've got enough money," blurted the mate.

Miss Tyrell turned upon him a face in which there was now no lack of
colour. "That is my business," she said, stiffly.

"Mine, too," said Fraser, gazing steadily at the pretty picture of
indignation before him. "I was Flower's friend as well as his mate, and
you are only a girl." The indignation became impatience. "Little more
than a child," he murmured, scrutinising her.

"I am quite big enough to mind my own business," said Poppy,