h first
meetings; he only knew that the shortest distance between two points is
a straight line, and that was his course now. He suddenly became aware
that the girl was regarding him curiously, and she asked in manifest
surprise:

"My picture? Why, where have you seen my picture, Captain?"

In a flash Barry realized the difficulty of the question. Perhaps later
he would feel at liberty to explain; but now no words that he was
acquainted with could possibly explain without requiring further
explanations to supplement them. Yet he could not think of letting go
this chance of basking in the sunshine of his realized dream. He met
Miss Sheldon's query with a warm smile and took her by the elbow.

"I saw one in Java, Miss Sheldon," he said. "And ever since I have
doubted the existence of an original anything like it. But you are; the
picture doesn't do you justice. Let me show you my ship," he concluded,
urging her towards the ladder away from the rest.

To Barry it seemed that fifteen minutes sped like one. He never
remembered, afterwards, whether he showed Miss Sheldon the ship, or not,
or at least, how much of it. He only knew that he trod on air, and his
ears were thrilled with music, that his blood leaped and tingled with
the warm personality and rippling laughter of this pretty Mission lady.
He suddenly found himself back on the poop by her side, and his foot
stumbled on the top step because his eyes would not leave her piquant
face. And together they rejoined the others, surprising upon two faces,
at least, something that was not expected to be seen.

Little stood by Mrs. Goring's side, frankly enjoying the spectacle of
Barry's captivity. He glanced smilingly at Miss Sheldon, and Barry saw
the rich color mount swiftly to the girl's throat and cheeks. But it was
between Vandersee and Mrs. Goring that the tableau centered. The big
second mate stood behind Little and looked sharply into the big, dark
eyes of Mrs. Goring over the salesman's shoulder. And she, on her part,
returned the gaze with interest that was nevertheless gone in a flash,
to give way to a returning expression of polite indifference.

But in that passing flash, Barry caught the unspoken message that leaped
from eye to eye. It was as plain as if those two people had said, one to
the other:

"Right into our hands! Barry's caught, and the rest is clear!"

The situation threatened to become strained, for Barry showed signs of
questioning his second