n the promenade deck. They were taking their
exercise moderately, pausing frequently to look at any trifling
diversion. Chester tipped his cap at them as they passed. At the next
meeting in the walk, the minister stopped and greeted the young man.

"I wish to thank you for your act of kindness to my daughter," he said.
"She has told me about it."

"It was nothing, I assure you, sir," replied Chester. "I don't think the
fellow will annoy her again."

"I hope not. On these ocean voyages one is thrown so closely into all
kinds of company. We, of course, must suppose all our fellow-passengers
are respectable people, until we find out otherwise--but let us sit
down. Where are our chairs, Lucy?"

"They're on the other side, I believe, where we left them this morning."

"It's a little too windy there."

"I'll bring them around to you," said Chester. Lucy followed him,
pointing out which of the chairs belonged to them.

"May I not carry one?" she asked.

"You do not appear strong enough to lift one."

Chester carried the two chairs around to the side of the sheltered deck,
then found a vacant chair for himself which he placed with the other
two.

"Thank you very much," said the minister, as they seated themselves.
"The day is really fine, isn't it? After the sea-sickness, there is
something glorious in a pleasant sea voyage. This is my third time
across, but I don't remember just such a fine day as this. Are you a
good sailor?" this to Chester.

"I've not missed a meal yet, if that's any indication."

"I envy you. I have often wished I could be on deck in a bit of real
bad weather. We had a little blow the other day, I understand, when that
poor fellow lost his life."

"Yes; I saw the accident," replied Chester; whereupon he had to relate
the details to them.

"Well, such is life--and death," was the minister's only comment on the
story.

The minister did most of the talking. Perhaps that was because he was
used to it, having, as he told Chester, been a preacher for twenty-five
years. The daughter commented briefly now and then, prompting his memory
where it seemed to be weak. Chester listened with great interest to the
man's account of former trips to Europe and his description of famous
places. The speaker's voice was pleasant and well-modulated. His
clean-cut face lighted up under the inspiration of some vivid
description. Chester found himself drawn to the man nearly as much as he
had been to the daughte