t man. If he retreats, it is because he
absolutely has to; and you will see, he will turn and strike Howe and
Cornwallis some day such a blow as will make them reel. I should not
wonder if he had done so already. 'T is six long weeks since we have
heard any news from home. Trust me, gentlemen, the Americans will
fight; and if there is a God of justice, they will win too."

"I would fight myself, had I but the opportunity," said Katharine,
resolutely. "And there are hundreds of other women with the same
feeling."

"Oh, Miss Wilton, you would find no enemies here to fight. We are all
captives of your bow and spear now, and crave your mercy," said
Desborough, meaningly.

"True, Mistress Katharine. I hardly know now who commands this ship,
you or I!" said the captain, smiling at her.

"Alas, you do, Captain Vincent; were I the commander, we would be going
that way," she replied, pointing off over the quarter, and gazing
wistfully over the cool, sparkling water, the white-capped waves
breaking beautifully away in every direction. "Oh, my poor, poor
country, when shall I see you again?" she murmured; "when--"

"Sail ho!" floated down from the foremast head at this moment, and the
idle ship awoke again.

"Where away?"

"Right ahead, sir."

Holmes and Beauchamp walked forward to get a look at the stranger, and
the captain and the colonel stepped across to the weather side of the
deck. Chloe was sent below to procure a wrap for her mistress, and
Katharine was left alone for a few moments with Desborough. It was his
first opportunity.

"Have you no curiosity as to the sail reported, Lieutenant Desborough?"

"No, Mistress Katharine, none whatever. I take no interest in anything
but you. No, please don't go now," he went on in humble entreaty. "I
wish to speak to you a moment. When you came aboard I hoped to see you
often, to be with you alone--to win you--" His voice sank to a
passionate whisper.

"My lord, my lord! it were best to go no further," she interrupted
gravely. "'T is no use; you remember."

"Yes, yes, I remember everything,--everything about you, that is. I
shut my eyes and feel the soft touch of your cool hand on my fevered
head again, as when I had that bullet in my breast. Oh, it thrills me,
maddens me! I 'd be wounded so again, could I but feel those hands
once more-- Listen to me, you must listen! It cannot hurt you to hear
me, and I am sure one of the others will be back in a