u."

After the captain had washed himself in the granite-iron basin, and
carefully brushed his hair, he sat down at the little side-table. His
breakfast was already before him, but he would not touch it until the
girl was ready for hers. He noted with appreciation that the oil-cloth
on the table was especially clean, and how neatly the few dishes were
arranged.

"Well, this is some breakfast," he complimented. "I never expected to
find this awaitin' me."

"Are you satisfied with your cook now?" the girl smilingly asked.

"Satisfied!" The captain paused in the act of lifting his cup of
coffee to his lips. "Did I ever say I wasn't satisfied?"

"Not exactly, though you acted that way last night."

"I know I did, an' I'm of the same opinion still. I'm not satisfied
while them fellers are out draggin' the river fer yer body."

At these words a startled look came into the girl's eyes, and she
dropped her fork upon her plate.

"Dragging the river for my body!" she gasped.

"Sure, thar are several boats not fer from here now, an' the men in 'em
seem mighty excited. It does seem a pity fer 'em to be doin' sich a
thing while you are safe an' sound in this cabin. Thar's something
uncanny about it, which is not at all to my likin'. Don't ye think I'd
better holler out, an' tell 'em that you're all right?"

"No, no," the girl protested, rising to her feet. "Don't say a word.
If they think I'm drowned, all the better. That's just what I want
them to think."

"Good Lord!" The captain stared in amazement at the agitated girl.
"What am I to do, then? I can't stay here an' see them poor fellers
doin' sich a useless job. An' besides, they must be about
heart-broken."

"Indeed they're not," the girl emphatically declared. "If they are the
ones I believe they are, you needn't worry about them, for they have no
hearts to break. I must have a peek at them."

"Be careful, if ye don't want to be seen, Miss," the captain warned, as
the girl stood, on one of the steps and cautiously peered out. She was
instantly down again, her face very white.

"There's a boat coming straight for us!" she excitedly explained.
"It's only a short distance off. Go on deck quick and send the men
away. Don't let them come on board."

With a bound the captain was up out of the cabin. He was determined to
protect the girl, although he felt that he was making a fool of
himself. But while she was on his boat, and under his care, no