to sleep last night, so went
fishing, to catch some fish for breakfast, and here they are."

"Why, John, were you afraid to go to sleep?" asked Helga, anxiously.

"Because I knew I should dream of you, Helga," replied Hardy, "and
have not been in bed all night because of that, and because I went
fishing. Moreover, I suspect you of being a 'Mare,' your eyebrows grow
together, and I dread the nightmare."

"My eyebrows do not grow together," replied Helga, firmly.

"Let me see," said John; and he took her face between his hands, and
added, "I am not certain, I must look closer;" and kissed her between
the eyes.

"It is time for me to interfere," said John's mother; and she rang a
small handbell in the deckhouse.

"Oh, don't, mother!" said John, with a piteous look.

"Oh, Mrs. Hardy! what are you going to do with Him?" asked Helga, with
concern.

"First, he shall have no more breakfast, because he has finished,"
said Mrs. Hardy; "and then I will condemn him to----"

"No, no!" said Helga, beseechingly.

"I must," said Mrs. Hardy.

The great black-bearded steward came in to take away the breakfast
things.

"Do go away; you are not wanted!" said Helga; and she pushed him out,
and shut the door of the deck-house.

Mrs. Hardy got up and embraced her affectionately.

"Why," said she, "I was only going to condemn him to love you always,
all his life, and with all his heart. You must not mind if he teases a
little, all men do; but he is as good as gold, and as true as
yourself."

"Now, Helga," said John, "let the steward clear away, and have a walk
on deck. I will not tease you any more until next time. But where is
that boy Axel?"

Axel had become a favourite with the men, for English sailors like a
quick lad. He had an undying interest in knots and the contrivances on
board the yacht, and the men liked the little Dane, as they called
him. John Hardy sent a man to find him.

"He is down in the fok'sle, sir, learning knots off the men," said the
man, touching his cap.

"Axel is trying to learn our English way of tieing knots, Helga," said
Hardy, "and my men have taken him in charge. They will be kind to him,
and would teach a lad no harm."

"When you were with us last year, you were so thoughtful of every one,
and you were so kind; but when you tease me, I think you love me
less," said Helga, slowly; "and I see you are thoughtful still. But
why do you tease me?"

"Because I love you so; I do not know ho