rew who came to clean the brasswork, and who listened
mutinously when they were ordered to defer unwonted industry to a more
fitting time. The deck clear, the mate began, and in a long rambling
statement, which Mrs. Jansell at first thought the ravings of lunacy,
acquainted her with the real state of his feelings.

"I never did!" said she, when he had finished. "Never! Why, you hadn't
seen her before yesterday."

"Of course I shall take you back by train," said the mate, "and tell
your husband how sorry I am."

"I might have suspected something when you said all those nice things to
me," said the mollified lady. "Well, you must take your chance, like
all the rest of them. She can only say 'No,' again. It'll explain this
affair better, that's one thing; but I expect they'll laugh at you."

"I don't care," said the mate stoutly. "You're on my side, ain't you?"

Mrs. Jansell laughed, and the mate, having succeeded beyond his hopes
in the establishment of amicable relations, went about his duties with a
light heart.

By the time they reached Boston the morning was far advanced, and after
the Gem was comfortably berthed he obtained permission of the skipper
to accompany the fair passenger to London, beguiling the long railway
journey by every means in his power. Despite his efforts, however, the
journey began to pall upon his companion, and it was not until evening
was well advanced that they found themselves in the narrow streets of
Limehouse.

"We'll see how the land lies first," said he, as they approached the
wharf and made their way cautiously on to the quay.

The Aquila was still alongside, and the mate's heart thumped violently
as he saw the cause of all the trouble sitting alone on the deck. She
rose with a little start as her mother stepped carefully aboard, and,
running to her, kissed her affectionately, and sat her down on the
hatches.

"Poor mother," she said caressingly. "What did you bring that lunatic
back with you for?"

"He would come," said Mrs. Jansell. "Hush! here comes your father."

The master of the Aquila came on deck as she spoke, and walking slowly
up to the group, stood sternly regarding them. Under his gaze the mate
breathlessly reeled off his tale, noticing with somewhat mixed feelings
the widening grin of his listener as he proceeded.

"Well, you're a lively sort o' man," said the skipper as he finished.
"In one day you tie up your own ship, run off with my wife, and lose us
a tid