not until they had passed one of the
three islands, which here studded the river, did she comprehend the
meaning of the captain's uneasiness. With hands firmly grasping the
wheel, he often cast his eyes shoreward, as if searching for some
special object. Presently he emitted an exclamation of annoyance, and
turned suddenly to the girl by his side.

"Git into the cabin," he ordered. "Martha's got the glass on us. I
kin see her at the front door. Hustle. I don't want her to see ye.
But ye needn't go all the way down, Miss. Jist set within the door, so
she can't see ye."

Jess quickly obeyed, and perched upon the second step from the top, she
waited to see what would happen.

"Does your wife always use the glass?" she at length asked.

"Allus, Miss. Guess she's had it turned on us ever since we hove in
sight. Hope to goodness she hasn't spied you out."

The house toward which the captain's attention was directed, stood upon
a gentle elevation, with a well-kept garden, sloping to the river. It
was a cosy-looking place, and the surrounding trees protected the house
from the storms of winter. The building was painted white, with dark
trimmings, and owing to its situation, could be seen for miles from the
river. The captain was naturally proud of his home, and was always
glad when it appeared in sight. But this day was the first exception
during his long years of boating. His face became stern, and his hands
gripped the wheel harder than ever as he set his mind upon the task of
running by that snug cottage on the hill side. Why had he been such a
fool, he asked himself, as to let this strange runaway girl remain on
board? He should have notified the search party at once as to her
whereabouts, and delivered her into their hands. His heart, however,
softened as he glanced down and saw the girl's wistful eyes fixed full
upon his face.

"I am very sorry, Captain, that I am causing you so much worry," she
remarked. "But for me you would soon be home with your wife and
daughter."

"Tut, tut, Miss, don't ye bother about that," the old man replied, as
he gave the wheel a vigorous yank to the right. "This boat was headin'
straight fer the shore. She's run in thar so often that she does it of
her own accord. She's almost human, this boat is. My! won't Martha
git the surprise of her life when she sees us go by. She's wavin' now,
blamed if she ain't! an' runnin' down to the shore. An' that's Flo
behind her