into the manager's office. That official was alone, which
was to Gilbert Strong's purpose.

"Why did you permit my brother to sail with Captain Brown?" asked he
abruptly.

"My dear Mr. Strong," said the manager, "calm yourself. I do not
understand."

"Yes, you do. You know as well as I do that his ship is--is not in the
best condition. You ought not to have allowed passengers at all."

"Sit down, Mr. Strong. The boat is good for many a trip yet, though it
is true, as you know, that she is to go into dry dock for overhauling on
her return. Has your brother sailed on her?"

"He has, my brother, his daughter and her young man. I suppose there
were other passengers also?"

"Yes; a few--perhaps twenty-five all told. Don't worry; Captain Brown
will bring them safely through."

"Yes," said Gilbert Strong, as he left the office, "yes, if the Lord
will give him a show--but--"

He could say no more, for did he not know full well that at a meeting of
company directors at which he had been present, it had been decided to
try one more trip with Captain Brown in command, and the fact that the
boat was not in good condition was to be kept as much as possible from
the captain. A little tinkering below and a judicious coat of paint
above would do much to help the appearance of matters, one of the
smiling directors had said. And so--well, he would try not to worry. Of
course, everything would be well. Such things were done right along,
with only occasionally a disaster or loss--fully covered by the
insurance.

But for all his efforts at self assurance, when he went home to Aunt
Sarah he was not in the most easy frame of mind.

* * * * *

The little company under Captain Brown's care was having a delightful
time. The weather was so pleasant that there was very little sickness.
Chester again escaped and even his father and Lucy were indisposed for a
day or two only. After that the long sunny days and much of the starry
nights were spent on deck. The members of the company soon became well
acquainted. Captain Brown called them his "happy family."

And now Chester and Lucy had opportunity to get near to each other in
heart and mind. With steamer chairs close together up on the promenade
deck where there usually were none but themselves, they would sit for
hours, talking and looking out over the sea. "Shady bowers 'mid trees
and flowers" may be ideal places for lovers; but a quiet protected
corne