for the Prince's treasure.

The day passed wearily enough but in safety; and with the fall of night
we felt even more secure, for our hiding-place could not be discovered
in the darkness. I reckoned that we were not, as the crow flies, more
than a few hundred yards from where the yacht lay aground, and in the
greater stillness that seems to fall at night sounds reached us from
the mutineers. As I sat at the door of the cave, with the stars
overhead, I caught a snatch of song rolling up from below, and
presently other voices joined in. A little later there was a riotous
burst of noise, as from a quarrel in progress. Had the treasure been
found, and were the sailors celebrating their triumph, or was this
merely a drunken debauch? It sounded as if the latter were the true
alternative. In their disappointment the mutineers had gone to the rum
cask for consolation. As time went on the sounds increased, and I
listened to them with a trembling fear for the unfortunate woman who
was still aboard. Black of heart as those men undoubtedly were in their
sober moments, and under the influence of the lust of gold, what would
they be when inflamed by spirits and in the throes of angry chagrin?

As I watched I was conscious that some one had issued from the cave on
light feet and stood by my side. A low voice addressed me, but before
she had spoken I knew who it was. My heart could not have failed to
recognise her.

"Do you fear attack?"

"No, Princess," said I, "not to-night. They don't know where we are;
and, besides, they are quarrelling among themselves."

She was silent for a time, and then, "That unhappy woman!" she sighed.

"She has lost all she cared for. I am sorry for her," I answered.

"Yes," she said slowly. "I suppose so; but what does any one of us care
for? What does it all mean? The puzzle is too great for me. I am
shaken."

"You must trust yourself," I said impulsive. "Trust to those who care
for you."

"You are--good," she replied softly.

"Princess----" I began, but she interposed quickly.

"Do not call me that. I am no Princess. I have given all up. I am just
Alix Morland."

"You will go back," said I, "and resume your rightful place in courts,
and this will only remain to you as a horrid nightmare."

"I shall remember the evil dream. Yes," she said; "but I shall also
remember some heroic souls and noble deeds. But it will not be in
courts."

She was silent again, but presently said, in a hesitatin