ted by the long swell, without a light
burning fore or aft. I heard no movement of men, no voice shouting
orders, yet before that last gleam faded, I had seen outlined several
figures on the bridge. To better assure myself that no watch was upon
the after deck, I circled the cabin, and then, crouching in the shadow
of the rail, advanced even with the chart-house. From this point I
could distinguish voices in conversation, but the forms of the men
could not be discerned. Still, without accurately locating them, I had
ascertained all I required to know, and made my way back along the
slippery deck. All hands were on duty forward, and would be held there
for a time, at least, while the _Sea Gull_ was slipping through the
danger zone. But supper had not been served, and one of the watches
might be piped down at any moment. This would bring one of the mates
aft to the cabin.

Driven by the thought, I rapped softly on her door, and she came forth
instantly, fully dressed.

"You are ready?"

"Yes."

"You 'll need a waterproof of some kind--it's raining outside. Wait a
moment; there will be a coat in some of these staterooms."

I found one, a fisherman's slicker, and wrapped her in it. It was a
world too big, but I tightened the belt, and turned up the skirts, so
she managed to walk. It would serve to keep her dry, although worn
under indignant protest.

"Oh, I can't," she proclaimed. "Why, I must be a perfect fright."

"Not to me; besides, it's dark as Erebus. Here, let me take your hand;
I know every step of the way."

I led her forward slowly, so that the flapping of the oilskins against
the stair-rail would not be heard. The steady patter of rain on the
deck planks drowned what little noise we made, and as we emerged into
the hood a gust of wind drove the moisture into our faces. I could
feel my heart thump, yet it was more because of her proximity than any
excitement of adventure. So far as I could perceive, peering out into
the storm with hand shading my eyes, the way was clear, and, bidding
her stoop low, we slipped back along the narrow deck passage into the
shadow cast by the boat. Here, protected as we were by the bulge of
the cabin, there was slight probability of our being observed, and I
stood up, again examining the tackle to reassure myself of its proper
working. I even tested the boat's weight in sudden fear lest I could
not hold it alone. Then I whispered to the shapeless form crouch