He tried to pluck up courage to tell her that he couldn't take her, but
only succeeded in giving vent to an inhospitable cough.

"I'll get the supper," said the mate, suddenly; "you sit down, old man,
and talk to Lucy."

In honour of the visitor he spread a small cloth, and then proceeded to
produce cold beef, pickles, and accessories in a manner which reminded
Miss Harris of white rabbits from a conjurer's hat. Captain Gibbs,
accepting the inevitable, ate his supper in silence and left them to
their glances.

"We must make you up a bed, for'ard, Lucy," said the mate, when they had
finished.

Miss Harris started. "Where's that?" she inquired.

"Other end o' the boat," replied the mate, gathering up some bedding
under his arm. "You might bring a lantern, John."

The skipper, who was feeling more sociable after a couple of glasses of
beer, complied, and accompanied the couple to the tiny forecastle. A
smell compounded of bilge, tar, paint, and other healthy disinfectants
emerged as the scuttle was pushed back. The skipper dangled the lantern
down and almost smiled.

"I can't sleep there," said the girl, with decision. "I shall die o'
fright."

"You'll get used to it," said Ted, encouragingly, as he helped her down;