CHAPTER VII

ON THE DARK DECK

Ease, of all good gifts the best,
War and wave at last decree:
Love alone denies us rest,
Crueler than sword or sea.

William Watson.


"I am Columbus every time I cross," said Shirley. "What lies out there in
the west is an undiscovered country."

"Then I shall have to take the part of the rebellious and doubting crew.
There is no America, and we're sure to get into trouble if we don't turn
back."

"You shall be clapped into irons and fed on bread and water, and turned
over to the Indians as soon as we reach land."

"Don't starve me! Let me hang from the yard-arm at once, or walk the
plank. I choose the hour immediately after dinner for my obsequies!"

"Choose a cheerfuller word!" pleaded Shirley.

"I am sorry to suggest mortality, but I was trying to let my imagination
play a little on the eternal novelty of travel, and you have dropped me