peak to her. I will keep out of her way; it is the least I
can do. And I will try and not make her life on board disagreeable. Ah,
my beloved, I will never hurt you again or make you angry."

He said these things over and over to himself, and perhaps they
comforted him a little. At eight bells the Swedish captain turned out,
and Claudius saw him ascend the bridge, but soon he came down again and
walked aft.

"God afton, Captain," said Claudius.

"It is rather late to say good evening, Doctor," replied the sailor.

"Why, what time is it?"

"Midnight."

"Well, I shall turn in."

"If you will take my advice," said the captain, "you won't leave any
odds and ends lying about to-night. We shall have a dance before
morning."

"Think so?" said Claudius indifferently.

"Why, Doctor, where are your eyes? You are a right Svensk sailor when
you are awake. You have smelled the foam in Skager Rak as well as I."

"Many a time," replied the other, and looked to windward. It was true;
the wind had backed to the north-east, and there was an angry little
cross sea beginning to run over the long ocean swell. There was a
straight black belt below the stars, and a short, quick splashing,
dashing, and breaking of white crests through the night, while the
rising breeze sang in the weather rigging.

Claudius turned away and went below. He took the captain's advice, and
secured his traps and went to bed. But he could not sleep, and he said
over and over to himself that he loved her, that he was glad he had told
her so, and that he would stand by the result of his night's work,
through all time,--ay, and beyond time.

CHAPTER VIII.

Lady Victoria was not afraid of the sea. No indeed, and if her brother
would go with her she would like nothing better. And Miss Skeat, too,
would she like to come? Such a pity poor Margaret had a headache. She
had not even come to breakfast.

Yes, Miss Skeat would come, and the boatswain would provide them both
with tarpaulins and sou'-westers, and they would go on deck for a few
minutes. But Mr. Barker was so sorry he had a touch of neuralgia, and
besides he knew that Claudius was on deck and would be of more use to
the ladies than he could ever be. Mr. Barker had no idea of getting wet,
and the sudden headache of the Countess, combined with the absence of
Claudius from her side, interested him. He meant to stay below and watch
the events of the morning. Piloted by the Duke, the strong Engl