ng a bit, thinking of Caudel and
the others of the little dandy, of the yacht, of the gale we had
outlived, and twenty other like matters, when the voice of the captain
broke in upon my reverie.

"This will be you, Mr. Barclay? I begin to know you now without candle
light by your height."

"Yes, it is I, captain--just stepped on deck for a smoke and a breath
of this cool wind before turning in. Do you know, when I view the
great dark outline of your ship sweeping through this tremendous space
of darkness, and then think of the crowds of people asleep in her
heart, I can't but consider the post of commander of a big merchantman,
like this vessel, foremost amongst the most responsible under the sun."

"Sir, you are right," exclaimed the little man.

"Realise what is committed to his safe keeping," I went on; "not
precious human lives only, but a ship and cargo of value enough to
purchase several German principalities. Nor is it one voyage only.
You may make twenty in your capacity of commander. Think then of the
wealth that will have been entrusted to you in your time, the crowds
upon crowds of human beings whose lives were in your hands!"

"Sir, you are right," he repeated, in a voice that was oily with
gratification. "Pray what is your age, Mr. Barclay?"

I told him.

"Then, considering your age, all I can say is you talk very sensibly.
Let us walk, sir."

We started to measure the planks from the wheel to half-way the length
of the poop.

"There is no doubt," said I, "that you, as master of this vessel, are,
as you have all along contended, empowered to marry me to Miss
Bellassys," and I then gave him the substance of what Mr. Higginson had
said to me below.

"I knew that Higginson would see it after thinking a bit," said he.
"Of course, I am empowered to marry, on board my ship, any couple that
may apply to me. Have you spoken to Miss Bellassys?"

"I have."

"And is she agreeable?"

"Perfectly agreeable."

"Good!" said he with a chuckle. "Now, when shall it be?"

"Oh, it is for you to say, captain."

"Ten o'clock to-morrow morning do?"

"Very well, indeed," I answered, "but it will be quite private, Captain
Parsons; it is Miss Bellassys's wish."

"Private? Why private?" he exclaimed, in a voice of disappointment; "a
wedding is an interesting sight, and I intended to admit the steerage
passengers. I had also seen my way to converting our usual lunch into
a sort of wedding breakfast for