t you and I, and that sunset was
the symbol of our love."

But he was talking to the air. Ruth was speeding aft, her light
laughter rippling behind her.

Another night, when the brig was near the southern limit of her long
traverse, they stood in the shadow, at the break of the poop, and
together scanned the splendid sky. Ruth was the teacher; she knew each
blazing constellation, and she pointed them out for Martin's benefit.
But Martin, it must be admitted, was more interested by the pure
profile revealed by a slanting moonbeam than by the details of
astronomy and his mumbled, half-conscious replies revealed his
inattention.

After a while, she gave over the lesson, and they stood silent, side by
side, leaning on the rail, captivated by the witchery of the tropic
night.

The heavens were packed with the big, blazing stars of the low
latitudes, and the round moon, low on the horizon, cut the dark, quiet
sea with a wide path of silver light. Aloft, the steady breeze hummed
softly; and the ship broke her way through the water with a low, even
purr, and the sea curled away from the forefoot like an undulating
silver serpent. The wake was a lane of moonlight, barred by golden
streaks of phosphorescence.

On the ship, the decks were a patchwork of bright, eerie light and
black shadow. The bellying sails and the woof of cordage aloft, seemed
unsubstantial, like a gossamer weaving. The quiet ship noises, and the
subdued murmur of voices from forward seemed unreal, uncanny.

The unearthly beauty of the night touched strange fancies to life in
Martin's mind--he was on a phantom ship, sailing on an unreal sea. The
desirable, disturbing presence so close to his side enhanced his
agitation.

His shoulder touched her shoulder, and he could feel the gentle rise
and fall of her breast, as she breathed. The bodily contact made his
head swim. When she raised her head to stare at the sky, a fugitive
moonbeam caressed her face and touched her briefly with a wondrous
beauty. Her curved, parted lips were almost within reach of his own at
such instants; he had but to bend swiftly forward! Martin was all
atremble at the daring thought, and he clutched the rail to steady
himself.

Behind them, a golden voice suddenly commenced to sing an age-old song
of love, "Annie Laurie."

Softly the hunchback sang; his voice seemed to melt into and become one
with the hum of the breeze aloft and the snore of the forefoot
thrusting