dragged hastily from the water by inexperienced
hands. The waves tossed us about so that any seaman would recognize
instantly our predicament. The manner in which the jaunty _Sea Gull_
bore down upon us was proof that those on board had already grasped the
situation, and had no remaining suspicion of treachery. She was under
steam, with no sail set, and the rapidly increasing light gave me a
fairly clear view. In low monotone, without turning my head, I managed
to convey my observations to the motionless officer.

"She 's heading straight toward us under low pressure. There are two
men on the bridge, and a lookout on the bow. Now she 's swinging to
port to bring up close. There 's a group at the rail near the
starboard gangway. About ten, I should say. Can you see, Viola?"

"Twelve," she answered quietly, "and three forward. The third man at
the rail is the Captain, and he has a glass."

"By George! you are right. I recognize the fellow now. Broussard is
on the bridge. They expect no trouble, Lieutenant, and only have the
regular watch on deck. They are getting too close for me to talk any
more."

It was indeed a beautiful picture had we only been in a mind to enable
us to enjoy the scene. The deserted ocean, rolling gray and dismal
under the cloudy sky, white caps showing in every direction as our boat
was flung helplessly aloft on the steady roll of the sea. The coast
line was not visible from our elevation, and nothing broke the gray
round of horizon but clouds of floating vapor, slowly drifting away
before the sun, which was already yielding a faint crimson glow to the
east. Behind us, probably two miles distant, arose the rough ridge of
Cosmos Island, while bearing down upon us from the north, with a
westward sheer sufficient to expose her beautiful lines, came the _Sea
Gull_. Yet graceful, handsome as she appeared, my entire attention
centered on the group of men at her rail. They were watching us
intently, Henley with a glass at his eyes. Twice I saw him turn, and
wave his hand to Broussard on the bridge, slightly altering the
vessel's course, and once the sound of his voice echoed faintly across
the intervening water.

It was quite evident that as yet he perceived nothing to arouse
suspicion, for, with a swing like a hawk, the _Sea Gull_ bore down upon
us, the engines slowing, and then reversed. We were staring up into
the faces that looked curiously down at us. Henley gripped a stay