attended. The old
negro cook--acting also as steward, comes up to the occasion; for he has
a tender heart under his rough sable skin, and waits upon them with
delicate assiduity.

And Captain Lantanas is equally assiduous in his attentions, placing
most of his time at their disposal, with whatever else he can think of
likely to alleviate their suffering.

In due course they recover; Carmen first, from being of more robust
habit and stronger constitution. But both are at length able to show
themselves out of their state-room, and after a day or two waiting for
fine weather, they venture upon deck.

During this sojourn below, they have had no communication with any one,
save Don Gregorio--who has been like themselves, invalided--and of
course the captain and cook. But not any of the officers, or sailors,
of the ship. Indeed, on these they have never set eyes, excepting on
that day when they sailed out through the Golden Gate. But, then, their
thoughts were otherwise occupied--too much engrossed with certain
personages absent, to care for any that were present; least of all the
sailors of the ship--these scarce getting a glance from them.

Still there is one they have a strong desire to see, and also speak
with. Not a common sailor, but the _piloto_, or first officer, of the
vessel--for they are aware the English seaman has been promoted to this
responsible post.

During their forced confinement in the state-room, they have often held
discourse about him; this connected with a subject that gives them the
greatest concern, and no little pain. There is still rankling in their
breasts that matter unexplained; no letters left by their lovers at
their abrupt departure, save the one for Don Gregorio, with salutation
to themselves, so coldly, ceremoniously formal. It is to inquire about
that, they are so anxious for an interview with Harry Blew, hoping,
almost believing him to have been entrusted with some verbal message he
has not yet delivered.

From the terms in which Crozier spoke of him while giving account of how
he had saved his life, it is natural to suppose, that between preserved
and preserver there should be confidence of a very intimate kind.
Therefore Carmen still more than half believes the sailor has a word for
herself--kept back for the want of opportunity. She recalls certain
things he said jocularly, on the day he brought Crozier's letter to the
house, and while she was herself showing him hospi