rls were with her,
closely grouped.

Percival purposely remained near the steps. He knew full well that the
ship's hours were numbered. It was only a question of time when she
would founder. In the lee of one of the big stacks they huddled close
together and waited for the lifting of the veil. The wind was soft but
strong up there at the top of the vessel. He took hope in the fact that
it was blowing toward the shores of that unseen land, and that slowly
but surely the Doraine was drifting thither.

Suddenly, as if a curtain were being raised, a far-off line appeared on
the surface of the waters. Higher rose the curtain, and like magic the
line developed into an irregular ridge, the ends of which sank below the
horizon far to the right and left.

Percival felt the girl's hand on his arm. He shot a swift glance at her
face. It was turned away. She staring at the mystic panorama that was
being unveiled off there on the rim of the world. Her eyes were bright,
her lips were parted in the ecstasy of hope revived, she was breathing
deeply. The pulse in her smooth white neck was beating rapidly,
rythmically. He could see it. He laid his bandaged hand firmly upon hers
and pressed it tightly to his arm. She did not look around. Her every
thought was centred upon the unfolding vision.

"There are trees," she murmured, enthralled. "Trees,--and hills! See,
Auntie,--but oh, how far away they are!"

For many minutes they stood there without speaking. Then from all sides
came the clamour of voices,--shouts of joy, cheers,--laughter! She
looked down at the clumsy object that imprisoned her hand, then swiftly
up into his eyes. A warm flush spread over her face.

"I--I couldn't help it," he muttered. "It--it looked so helpless."

"It isn't half as helpless as yours, Mr. Percival," she said, and
smiled. She waited a moment before withdrawing her hand. "May I have the
glasses, please? Had you forgotten them?"

"Completely," he replied.

Later, while Mrs. Spofford was peering through the glasses, she drew him
aside.

"Tell me about the water in the hold," she said in a low tone. "Is it
serious?"

He looked grave. "Very. If you will take a peep over the side of the
ship, you'll see how low down she is in the water."

"My aunt doesn't know the ship is leaking," she went on, hurriedly. "I
want to keep it from her as long as possible." He nodded his head.

"Mr. Mott figures we'll stay afloat for ten or twelve hours,--maybe
long