swarthy fellows
crowded aboard and then came the sheik, the personification of pomp and
pride.

"Where is she?" he asked in his native tongue. The passengers were by
this time aware of the visitation, and began to straggle on deck,
filled with curiosity. "What the devil do you mean by coming aboard in
this manner?" demanded the now irate Captain Perry, shoving a couple of
retainers out of his path and facing the beaming suitor. An interpreter
took a hand at this juncture and the doughty captain finally was made
to understand the object of the visit. He laughed in the sheik's face
and told the mate to call up a few jackies to drive the "dagoes" off.
"Rip" Van Winkle interfered and peace was restored. The cruise had
changed "Rip" into a happier and far more radiant creature, so it was
only natural that he should have shared the secret with Mary Valentine.
He had told the story of the sheik's demand to her as soon as he came
aboard, and she had divulged it to Peggy the instant "Rip" was out of
sight.

Brewster found the sheik sitting in state on the upper deck impatiently
awaiting the appearance of his charmer. He did not know her name, but
he had tranquilly commanded "Rip" to produce all of the women on board
so that he might select Peggy from among them. Van Winkle and Bragdon,
who now was in the secret, were preparing to march the ladies past the
ruler when Monty came up.

"Has he seen Peggy?" he asked of Van Winkle.

"Not yet. She is dressing for the occasion."

"Well, wait and see what happens to him when she gets over the first
shock," laughed Monty.

Just then the sheik discovered Peggy, who, pretty as a picture, drew
near the strange group. To her amazement two slaves rushed forward and
obstructed her passage long enough to beat their heads on the deck a
few times, after which they arose and tendered two magnificent
necklaces. She was prepared for the proposal, but this action
disconcerted her; she gasped and looked about in perplexity. Her
friends were smiling broadly and the sheik had placed his hands over
his palpitating heart.

"Lothario has a pain," whispered "Rip" Van Winkle sympathetically, and
Brewster laughed. Peggy did not hesitate an instant after hearing the
laugh. She walked straight toward the sheik. Her cheeks were pink and
her eyes were flashing dangerously. The persistent brown slaves
followed with the jewels, but she ignored them completely. Brave as she
intended to be, she could not rep