ted slowly astern under
the counter.

Charley had constructed a little niche for Natalie among the freight
astern--a bale of blankets serving for a seat, with a tall box inclined
behind it for a back to lean against. She had insisted that Charley
share it with her, and the boy had sat beside her too blissful to speak.
In the end they both fell asleep, and Natalie's head dropped on his
shoulder. In his dreams the boy smiled seraphically.

Garth watched them kindly and very enviously; and for the moment wished
that he, too, were a boy, whom she need not take seriously. There was
no sleep for him. He sat on the narrow seat encircling the stern, with
his back against the gunwale, where, on the one hand he could watch the
steersman elevated on his little platform, while on the other side he
was prepared for any demonstration from the bow. The steersman was
Natalie's humorous breed; his name was Aleck. Nick Grylls and Hooliam
were together somewhere forward of the mast; in the darkness Garth
could not place them.

Garth's rifle lay across his knees--he would have given it, with much to
boot, for the quicker and handier revolver. He was painfully aware that
nothing would suit Nick Grylls's purpose so well as to knock him swiftly
on the head, and heave his body overboard. He shrewdly suspected that
some such intention was the reason for this night sail. It is easy to
seek danger, to ride at it with a shout, the pulses leaping--but to
_wait_ for it, to wait motionless in the still dark for an attack that
may be delivered one knows not when nor from whence--that is the great
ordeal. Garth clenched the stem of his pipe hard between his teeth; and
with a resolute effort of his will, put down the hysteria that will at
such a time constrict the stoutest throat.

The first interruption of the awful stillness came, not from man, but
from the elements. All around the western horizon clouds mounted so
swiftly and imperceptibly that neither Garth nor the helmsman was aware
of what was preparing, until they had reached the zenith. Caribou Lake
is known for its swift and terrible summer storms. A sharp crack of
thunder was their first warning. Aleck shouted; and dark forms arose
here and there from their resting places. Garth swallowed a sob of
relief for the diversion. The storm might be playing right into Nick
Grylls's hand; but one could face the bustle and uproar with renewed
courage.

The sail was brought clattering to the deck;