ion the previous evening, he had made up his mind to be
fooled no longer. The girl was evidently playing with him, and he would
show her that he was not to be trifled with.

"Well, Sarah!"

"Well, Mr. Frere," dropping her hand, and turning round with a smile.

"How well you are looking to-day! Positively lovely!"

"You have told me that so often," says she, with a pout. "Have you
nothing else to say?"

"Except that I love you." This in a most impassioned manner.

"That is no news. I know you do."

"Curse it, Sarah, what is a fellow to do?" His profligacy was failing
him rapidly. "What is the use of playing fast and loose with a fellow
this way?"

"A 'fellow' should be able to take care of himself, Mr. Frere. I didn't
ask you to fall in love with me, did I? If you don't please me, it is
not your fault, perhaps."

"What do you mean?"

"You soldiers have so many things to think of--your guards and sentries,
and visits and things. You have no time to spare for a poor woman like
me."

"Spare!" cries Frere, in amazement. "Why, damme, you won't let a fellow
spare! I'd spare fast enough, if that was all." She cast her eyes down
to the deck and a modest flush rose in her cheeks. "I have so much to
do," she said, in a half-whisper. "There are so many eyes upon me, I
cannot stir without being seen."

She raised her head as she spoke, and to give effect to her words,
looked round the deck. Her glance crossed that of the young soldier
on the forecastle, and though the distance was too great for her to
distinguish his features, she guessed who he was--Miles was jealous.
Frere, smiling with delight at her change of manner, came close to
her, and whispered in her ear. She affected to start, and took the
opportunity of exchanging a signal with the Crow.

"I will come at eight o'clock," said she, with modestly averted face.

"They relieve the guard at eight," he said deprecatingly.

She tossed her head. "Very well, then, attend to your guard; I don't
care."

"But, Sarah, consider--"

"As if a woman in love ever considers!" said she, turning upon him a
burning glance, which in truth might have melted a more icy man than he.
--She loved him then! What a fool he would be to refuse. To get her to
come was the first object; how to make duty fit with pleasure would be
considered afterwards. Besides, the guard could relieve itself for once
without his supervision.

"Very well, at eight then, dearest."

"Hush!" said she