of concentrated love on the object of his regard, nearly ran down a
smack. As he had prognosticated, it came easy to him, and other well-
marked symptoms, such as loss of appetite and a partiality for bright
colours, developed during the day. Between breakfast and tea he washed
five times, and raised the ire of the skipper to a dangerous pitch by
using the ship's butter to remove tar from his fingers.

By ten o'clock that night he was far advanced in a profound melancholy.
All the looking had been on his side, and, as he stood at the wheel
keeping the schooner to her course, he felt a fellow-feeling for the
hapless Towson, His meditations were interrupted by a slight figure
which emerged from the companion, and, after a moment's hesitation, came
and took its old seat on the skylight.

"Calm and peaceful up here, isn't it?" said he, after waiting some time
for her to speak. "Stars are very bright to-night."

"Don't talk to me," said Miss Alsen snappishly.

"Why doesn't this nasty little ship keep still? I believe it's you
making her jump about like this."

"Me?" said the mate in amazement.

"Yes, with that wheel."

"I can assure you "--began the mate.

"Yes, I knew you'd say so," said the girl.