damsel in distress, and he turned and helped her with a will, which,
backed by his powerful strength, soon placed her goods under shelter.
The lagging dock-master politicly kept out of the way till the work
was almost done and then bustled up and made some show of assisting in
time for any fees, if they should be offered, but Arden told him that
since he had kept out of sight so long, he might remain invisible,
which was the unpopular way the young man had.

When the last article had been placed under shelter Edith said:

"I appreciate your help exceedingly. How much am I to pay you for your
trouble?"

"Nothing," was the rather curt reply.

The appearance of a lady like Edith, with a beauty that seemed weird
and strange as he caught glimpses of her face by the fitful rays of
his lantern, had made a sudden and strong impression on his morbid
fancy and fitted the wild imaginings with which he had occupied the
dreary hour of waiting for the boat. The presence of her sable
attendant had increased these impressions. But when she took out her
purse to pay him his illusions vanished. Therefore the abrupt tone in
which he said "Nothing," and which was mainly caused by vexation at
the matter-of-fact world that continually mocked his unreal one.

"I don't quite understand you," said Edith. "I had no intention of
employing your time and strength without remuneration."

"I told you I was not the dock-master," said Arden rather coldly.
"He'll take all the fees you will give him. You appealed to me as a