r Mr. Cutler appeared, and Mona, clad in Miss Cutler's
long ulster--which she had worn almost every day during her sojourn
there--and with a thick veil over her face, took her tall protector's
arm, and went tremblingly out.

Her heart almost failed her as she passed through the main entrance hall,
which she had crossed in such despair only a few hours previously; but
Mr. Cutler quietly bade her "be calm and have no fear," then led her down
the steps, and assisted her to enter the carriage that was waiting at the
door.

The next moment another figure stepped quickly in after her, Mr. Cutler
followed, the door was closed, and they were driven rapidly away.

Arriving at the steamer-landing, they all went on board, and after
attending to the baggage, Mr. Cutler conducted his ladies directly to
their stateroom.

"I will get you a room by yourself, if you prefer;" he said to Mona, "but
I thought perhaps you might feel less lonely if you should share my
sister's."

"Thank you, but I should much prefer to remain with Miss Cutler if it
will be agreeable to her," Mona returned, with a wistful glance at the
lady.

"Indeed, I shall be very glad to have you with me," was the cordial
reply, accompanied by a charming smile, for already the gentlewoman had
become greatly interested in her fair companion.

"That is settled, then," said the gentleman, smiling, "and now you may
feel perfectly safe; do not give yourself the least uneasiness, but try
to enjoy the voyage--that is, if old Neptune will be quiet and allow
you."

"You are very kind, Mr. Cutler, and I cannot tell you how grateful I am
to both yourself and your sister," Mona said, feelingly. "But, truly,"
she added, flushing, "I shall not feel quite easy until we get off,
for I am in constant fear that Mr. Hamblin will discover my flight, and
come directly here to search for me."

"Well, even if he does, you need fear nothing," Mr. Cutler returned,
reassuringly; "you shall have my protection, and should Mr. Hamblin make
his appearance before we sail and try to create a disturbance, we will
just hand the young man over to the authorities. The only thing I regret
in connection with him," the gentleman concluded, with a twinkle in his
eye, "is that I cannot have the pleasure of witnessing his astonishment
and dismay when he makes the discovery that his bird has flown. Now,
ladies, make yourselves comfortable, then come and join me on deck."

He left them together to get