, with his accustomed devotion, did
not spring to receive her when she came on board; that the steward did
not present his smiling face; and that her ever-anxious father failed
to assure himself that she did not fall overboard in passing from the
boat to the vessel. She was an only daughter, and when she appeared it
was customary to "turn out the guard" and pay all the honors.

To say that Bessie Watson was a pretty girl, is saying very little. She
was a good girl--and this is saying something more, and something
better. Nothing but a true heart and excellent common sense saved her
from being spoiled by the indulgence of her father and mother. Another
devotee was added to those who adored her; but she refused to be
spoiled even by Levi's flattery, if such it could be called; for the
young skipper was as sincere in his admiration of her as of the yacht
he commanded. Bessie did not pout or flout when neither Levi nor her
father appeared to receive her.

The man who had been in the boat with Mat Mogmore was Captain Gauley,
the stranger. After handing Bessie on board, he led the way, in
silence, towards the cabin. There were no lights on deck, and she could
see no difference between the two vessels, even when she had descended
the steps into the cabin; for no light appeared there. The darkness had
been chosen to help the illusion, and Bessie had to feel her way. She
came to the table in the middle of the cabin, and knowing that there
were lockers forming seats below the berths, she groped her way to the
side of the apartment, and seated herself.

"All hands are busy forward in getting under way," said her conductor,
from the steps.

"Where is the steward?" asked Bessie.

"He has been so hurried putting away his stores that he has not been in
the cabin."

"Are you a new hand?" asked Bessie, who did not recognize the voice of
the man.

"I am; I am only going this trip."

"Send the steward, if you please, to light the lamps," added Bessie,
who was reasonable enough to understand that the yacht was going to sea
on short notice, and she did not demand any unnecessary attention under
the circumstances.

"I will send him right down if I can find him."

Captain Gauley went on deck; and Bessie heard a great rattling of
ropes, a swaying of booms, and hasty footsteps above her. She could not
see a thing; but she waited in the gloom for the steward to come and
light the lamps. The noise on deck indicated that all hands wer