aist, just
as Blunt had done, but she did not resent it so abruptly. Miles had
promised more.

"Hush!" she whispered, with admirably-acted surprise--"I heard a noise!"
and as the soldier started back, she smoothed her dress complacently.

"There is no one!" cried he.

"Isn't there? My mistake, then. Now come here, Miles."

Miles obeyed.

"Who is in the hospital?"

"I dunno."

"Well, I want to go in."

Miles scratched his head, and grinned.

"Yer carn't."

"Why not? You've let me in before." "Against the doctor's orders. He
told me special to let no one in but himself."

"Nonsense."

"It ain't nonsense. There was a convict brought in to-night, and
nobody's to go near him."

"A convict!" She grew more interested. "What's the matter with him?"

"Dunno. But he's to be kep' quiet until old Pine comes down."

She became authoritative.

"Come, Miles, let me go in."

"Don't ask me, miss. It's against orders, and--"

"Against orders? Why, you were blustering about shooting people just
now."

The badgered Miles grew angry. "Was I? Bluster or no bluster, you don't
go in." She turned away. "Oh, very well. If this is all the thanks I get
for wasting my time down here, I shall go on deck again."

Miles became uneasy.

"There are plenty of agreeable people there."

Miles took a step after her.

"Mr. Frere will let me go in, I dare say, if I ask him."

Miles swore under his breath.

"Dom Mr. Frere! Go in if yer like," he said. "I won't stop yer, but
remember what I'm doin' of."

She turned again at the foot of the ladder, and came quickly back.

"That's a good lad. I knew you would not refuse me"; and smiling at the
poor lad she was befooling, she passed into the cabin.

There was no lantern, and from the partially-blocked stern windows came
only a dim, vaporous light. The dull ripple of the water as the ship
rocked on the slow swell of the sea made a melancholy sound, and the
sick man's heavy breathing seemed to fill the air. The slight noise
made by the opening door roused him; he rose on his elbow and began to
mutter. Sarah Purfoy paused in the doorway to listen, but she could make
nothing of the low, uneasy murmuring. Raising her arm, conspicuous by
its white sleeve in the gloom, she beckoned Miles.

"The lantern," she whispered, "bring me the lantern!"

He unhooked it from the rope where it swung, and brought it towards her.
At that moment the man in the bunk sat up erect, and twisted himse