it any more to-night;
we must progress gradually, you know, and not overtax nature at the
outset (is not that the correct professional jargon?) Joking apart,
however, I think you have done enough for to-night; and--ah, there goes
four bells--ten o'clock--take my advice, `turn in,' both of you, and get
a good long night's rest."

"I think I will," replied Lady Emily; "this hot weather makes me feel
very languid and tired. And you, Edgar--what are you going to do? You
will not remain on deck very late, will you?"

"Well," hesitated Sir Edgar, "that depends on circumstances. I shall
not turn in until I feel that there is some chance of getting to sleep.
And if this calm continues I think I shall sleep on deck; it is too
insufferably hot altogether for one down here, just at present. Leave
the ports open in your cabins, both of you, so that if there is any air
stirring you will get the benefit of it. And now I think I will say
good night to you both. Good night, sweetheart, and pleasant dreams.
Good night, Agnes."

I heard the click of the latches of the cabin-doors as the two ladies
retired, and presently Sir Edgar came on deck again, with a fresh cigar
in his mouth, and seated himself once more beside me, remarking--

"There! I have packed my womankind off to bed, and have laid my rifle,
with a good supply of cartridges, in my own bunk--an act which has
somewhat relieved my mind. So now, captain, as the coast is clear down
below, there is nothing to prevent your making your preparations as soon
as you please."

"Very good," said I; "then I will set about them at once. And, by way
of a start, I think we will `blind' the skylights; as I fully agree with
Roberts that there is no especial advantage in revealing four
whereabouts to anybody to-night. Nothing but a steamer could run us
down in this weather; and, should there happen to be one coming along,
we should see her lights in ample time to give her warning of our
position."

The mate was still promenading to and fro between the break of the poop
and the binnacle; so when he next passed I requested him to have the
canvas covers put over the skylights, also to direct the steward to turn
down the lamps in the saloon and my own cabin, and to carefully draw the
curtains before all the sidelights, so that no treacherous ray might
gleam forth from the ship's side and betray our locality. This was soon
done; and the noiseless movements of the mate as he went f