lane into the blue waters of the ocean
beyond.

They were homeward bound.

A week later as the schooner was running up the Florida coast, Drew,
who had gained strength magically after his enlightening interview with
Parmalee, was standing with Ruth near the rail. Dusk was coming on,
and a crescent moon was already showing its horns in the sky, still
touched by the sun's aftermath.

In the hush of the twilight they had fallen silent. Ruth's hand was
resting on the rail. Allen reached over gently and took it in his own.
It was quivering, but she did not withdraw it.

"Ruth, look at me," he said, somewhat huskily. She lifted her eyes to
his, but dropped them instantly.

"Ruth," he continued, "when I was hurt and was losing consciousness on
the island, do you remember what you said to me?" She was silent.
"Tell me, Ruth," he urged. "Do you?"

"How can I?" she said evasively. "I--I said so many things. I was so
excited----"

"I remember," he said softly. "I will never forget. You said: 'Don't
go, Allen, not until I tell you----' What was it you wished to tell
me, Ruth?"

"Don't make me say it, Allen," she murmured, her gaze downcast.

"Was it this?" he asked; and now his voice was shaking. "Was it: Don't
go, Allen, not until I tell you that I love you? Was that it, Ruth?"

She looked at him then, and her eyes were wonderful.

With a stifled cry he opened his arms, and she crept into them in shy
and sweet surrender.

His lips met hers.

He had gained the Doubloons--and the Girl.

THE END

End of Project Gutenberg's Doubloons--and the Girl, by John Maxwell Forbes

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