g to
my companion. "Here is a newspaper clipping which may be of interest.
I found it on the deck."

I read it hastily, and, in silence handed it to her, watching her face
as she read. It was a local item describing the finding of a dead body
which could not be identified. The details of the man's appearance as
well as the clothes worn were carefully depicted, evidently in hope
someone might thus recognize the party. She remained with the bit of
paper in her hands for what seemed a long while, while we waited. Then
her eyes were slowly lifted to our faces.

"That was Philip Henley," she said soberly.

"You are sure?"

"There is no possibility of mistake; the description is almost
photographic and the clothing I remember well."

"Your husband, madam?" asked the Lieutenant, as I remained silent.

"Yes; legally my husband, although he had driven me from him by
dissipation and neglect. I--I cannot tell you the wretched story now."

"Nor do I ask it," he hastened to assure her. "What is it, Mapes?"

A blue-jacket stood at the foot of the stairs, one hand lifted in
salute.

"The _Saline_, sir, is alongside, and hailing us. The boatswain sent
me, sir."

We followed the two on deck, and, after one glance about, I led her
around the bulge of the cabin to the narrow deck space astern. The
boat in which we had escaped had been hoisted into its davits, and we
halted in its shadow. The sea was gently rolling in great crested
waves, with no land visible except Cosmos Island. The most of our crew
must have been busy forward, as only three or four hung over the port
rail in idle curiosity. The two vessels moved side by side, separated
by a narrow stretch of green water, a thin vapor of smoke visible. I
could perceive the whiteness of the _Saline's_ deck, and the group of
officers on the bridge. The Captain, facing us, hollowed his hands.

"What have you to report, Mr. Hutton?"

"The vessel is in our possession, sir, and the crew under guard below."

"Any injuries?"

"None serious, sir."

"And the Captain--the half-breed Henley; did you get him?"

"He 's with the others."

"Better put the fellow in irons, Hutton. There are some serious
charges against him, you know. Have you men enough?"

"I could use a half dozen more."

"Very well; I 'll send them over with Mr. Steele."

"What is to be our course, sir?"

"Pensacola. Don't wait for us."

"Aye, aye, sir. Shall I hold Craig and the lady?"