, who was
narrowly watching him, to suspect that he was of high birth and had
moved in good circles before he had made his debut in this strange
part of the world. Inez possessed the same charming simplicity which
had distinguished her in her earlier years, though she was more
reserved, as was natural with her. She extended her hand to Sanders,
who gave it a gentle pressure, while he said:

"When I saw the signal fluttering up there I suspected there were
persons here who wanted help, but I never dreamed that we should find
you."

"And why not me as well as any one else?" asked Inez, with a smile.
"Is there any reason why I shouldn't have misfortune the same as other
persons? If there is any such rule, I have never heard of it."

"I know of none; but shipwreck, as a general thing--and certainly in
the case of your companions--has been a great injury to them. They
look emaciated and ill, and the captain is surely injured in the mind.
But you--why--well, never mind."

Fred laughed and broke down, for he really meant to say nothing that
could be construed into flattery or impertinence. There was an air of
goodness and refinement about the girl which compelled the respect,
for the time at least, of the wild youth.

"I am so glad you have come," said Inez, without commenting upon his
last words; "for though I have been as cheerful as I could, it has
been mainly on account of the captain and Mr. Storms. I saw how
dejected they were, and tried to cheer them as best I could."

"Which was very kind in you. But, thank heaven! it is all over now,
and I hope we shall soon bear you away from this place, that no doubt
has become so detestable in your eyes that you never want to see it
again."

"I cannot say how dreadful it is and how much I dislike it. The ship
which ought to have taken us away as it brought us, was broken to
pieces on the beach, and the mutineers, who thirsted for our lives,
were drowned when almost in reach, as may be said, of the shore."

Here was some more unexpected information that greatly interested Fred
Sanders, who began to think he would get at all the facts by
interviewing each member of the little company.

Mr. Storms heard the remark of Inez; but, while he regretted it--on
the ground that it might raise some more uncomfortable suspicions--he
did not care particularly, for the sad story was one that could easily
be told, and upon which he was ready for cross-examination. But what
more interest