d the key. As the door opened she
stood there waiting, her hands held out.

CHAPTER XXXVII

A HOMEWARD VOYAGE

"It--it is all over with? You have been successful?"

"Yes, don't worry," and I held her hands fast, looking into her eyes.
"There can be no further trouble. Captain Henley and his crew are
prisoners."

"And no one was hurt? You were not?"

"Oh, there are a few sore heads, but nothing serious. I got a crack
myself; bled a little--see."

She placed her fingers on the wound, stroking the hair gently, her eyes
full of anxiety.

"Is that all? Please tell me; I--I heard a shot fired."

"Henley's revolver; no damage done. Really you must accept my
assurance. Come out into the cabin; Louis is getting breakfast ready."

"Where is the Lieutenant?" hesitating slightly.

"In Henley's cabin, going through the papers. He wants to have a full
report ready when the _Saline_ comes up. The three of us will
breakfast together."

"You must permit me to wash the wound on your head first," she
insisted. "The hair is all matted with blood. Please."

"Of course," and I laughed. "Even then I will not be very presentable;
these clothes are frightful; the last week has been a strenuous one."

"What about me!" and she shot a look downward. "I 've only had the one
dress."

"The marvel of it," I interrupted ardently. "You look as though you
had just come from the dressing-table."

"You do not think so!"

"But I do; still, it may be a case where love is blind."

The fresh color swept into her cheeks.

"That is the only explanation possible, I am sure. See how the skirt
is stained, and the lace ruffle is almost torn off."

"Oh, well, don't worry; the Lieutenant has lost his natty appearance
also. Some villain slashed his coat its full length. However, I
accept your offer."

She ministered to me with womanly gentleness, parting the matted hair,
and cleansing the wound with water. While in no way serious it was an
ugly bruise, and required considerable attention. Sitting there on a
stool while she worked, I could hear Louis bustling about in the cabin,
but my mind was busy with a thousand matters requiring settlement. At
last I refused to be ministered to any longer, laughing at her desire
to bandage my head, and insisting that all I needed now was breakfast.
As we entered the cabin, the Lieutenant stood in Henley's door.

"I was looking for you, Craig," he said, coming forward, and bowin