ad. My father died--very
recently. I have been in America enough to know that a foreigner is often
under suspicion--particularly if he have a title! My distinction is that
I am a foreigner without one!" John Armitage laughed.

"It is, indeed, a real merit," declared Dick, who felt that something was
expected of him. In spite of himself, he found much to like in John
Armitage. He particularly despised sham and pretense, and he had been
won by the evident sincerity of Armitage's wish to appear well in his
eyes.

"And now," said Armitage, "I assure you that I am not in the habit of
talking so much about myself--and if you will overlook this offense I
promise not to bore you again."

"I have been interested," remarked Dick; "and," he added, "I can not do
less than thank you, Mr. Armitage."

Armitage began talking of the American army--its strength and
weaknesses--with an intimate knowledge that greatly surprised and
interested the young officer; and when they separated presently it was
with a curious mixture of liking and mystification that Claiborne
reviewed their talk.

The next day brought heavy weather, and only hardened sea-goers were
abroad. Armitage, breakfasting late, was not satisfied that he had acted
wisely in speaking to Captain Claiborne; but he had, at any rate, eased
in some degree his own conscience, and he had every intention of seeing
all that he could of Shirley Claiborne during these days of their
fellow-voyaging.

CHAPTER VII

ON THE DARK DECK

Ease, of all good gifts the best,
War and wave at last decree:
Love alone denies us rest,
Crueler than sword or sea.

William Watson.

"I am Columbus every time I cross," said Shirley. "What lies out there in
the west is an undiscovered country."

"Then I shall have to take the part of the rebellious and doubting crew.
There is no America, and we're sure to get into trouble if we don't turn
back."

"You shall be clapped into irons and fed on bread and water, and turned
over to the Indians as soon as we reach land."

"Don't starve me! Let me hang from the yard-arm at once, or walk the
plank. I choose the hour immediately after dinner for my obsequies!"

"Choose a cheerfuller word!" pleaded Shirley.

"I am sorry to suggest mortality, but I was trying to let my imagination
play a little on the eternal novelty of travel, and you have dropped me
down 'full faddom five.'"

"I'm sorry, but I have only revealed an honest tendency of ch