efully as I could under the circumstances, and
was about to proceed with an inquiry relative to those previously picked
up off the floating deck when the ring of people who had gathered round
us during our somewhat ceremonious exchange of compliments was abruptly
broken through by a female figure, and in another instant my neck was
encircled by a pair of lovely arms, a beautiful head was laid lovingly
upon my breast, and the clear silvery notes of Dona Inez de Guzman's
voice sobbed out:

"Oh, Leo, Leo, my darling! what joy is this to meet you so unexpectedly,
when I feared that fate had separated us for ever!"

I was about to reply when, to my horror I must confess, my eye
encountered that of Don Luis, Inez's father, as he stepped forward and
laid his hand somewhat sternly on his daughter's shoulder.

"There, Inez," said he, "that will do. You are doubtless overjoyed to
again meet a friend who possesses so large a share of our regard; but do
not allow your enthusiasm to carry you too far. Senor Lascelles is
suffering from the effects of a long immersion in the sea; he is
doubtless both hungry and thirsty; and he is also undoubtedly anxious to
make arrangements with Don Felix as to the disposal of his men. Come,
my dear girl, let us return to the cabin for the present; when our young
friend has refreshed himself and is at liberty we shall both be glad of
an opportunity to renew our acquaintance and to have a little
conversation with him. Senor," he continued, turning to me and offering
his hand with a stately and somewhat distant bow, "accept my
felicitations upon your most fortunate escape."

My beautiful Inez upon this released me and retired, somewhat abashed,
with her father; but as she went she managed to throw back a parting
glance from her brimming eyes which assured me that my hold upon her
affections was still as firm as it had ever been.

This most unexpected meeting with Inez and her father, with the
restraint and coolness of the latter's manner to me, coming as it did
close upon the heels of several hours of exposure and, what was worse,
extreme excitement and anxiety of mind, rather pushed me off my balance,
and for a moment or two after my lady-love vanished into the cabin I
scarcely knew where I was. Don Felix saw this, and coming forward
placed his hand under my arm and very kindly invited me to accompany him
to his private cabin, delicately suggesting that I appeared to be much
exhausted, and t