all? Should he make a
dash and rescue her against her will? She seemed to define his thoughts,
for she leaned over the side, saying:

"Go at once, and send someone for me, for if I ever reach Halifax again it
won't be under your care! Go, I say! I hate you! I _hate_ you! You need not
try to reach me," as Hugh rowed nearer. "You just touch that ladder, and
you will find my bleeding body here, not a living person!"

Hugh sat in the boat irresolute, not knowing what to do.

"I cannot leave you there, Dexie; you _must_ come back to me, and come
quickly before you are discovered. I swear I will row you home at once, and
not trouble you with a word," and the boat almost touched the vessel's
side. It was heavily laden, and sat low in the water, and Dexie felt the
distance between them was very short indeed. If Hugh insisted on reaching
her, the struggle would be short and soon over, for nothing would persuade
her to go back in the boat with Hugh again. She raised her arm; and the
sound of a shot was sent over the water, followed simultaneously with a
sharp, splintering sound, as the little leaden missile tore its way along
the stern of the little boat.

Dexie look around, expecting the sound would surely bring someone from
below, and if that someone was not sober, Hugh was still near enough to
help her. But no one appeared; she seemed the only living person on board.
She looked back at Hugh. She had not hurt him, nor had she intended to do
so, but she struck much nearer than she knew, and Hugh went back a stroke
or two.

"Do you believe I am in earnest now?" she asked, as she still held the
revolver in her hand. "Go and bring someone for me while there is time, for
I will never go back with you!"

But as Hugh bent to the oars, sending the little craft so swiftly to do her
bidding, the courage that had hitherto sustained her suddenly vanished.
Alone and unprotected, what might not happen to her? But it was too late to
call Hugh back now, so she must face whatever fate there was in store for
her. What if Hugh had no intention of sending help to her, and should leave
her there? Oh, for some chance to get away!

Dexie had almost given up in despair when the muffled sound of oars was
borne on her ears. She sprang quickly to the other side of the vessel and
looked anxiously in the direction of the sound. Soon the rower came in
sight, and by the stripes and epaulets of the wearer she recognized him as
a military officer, whos