ight always appealed to him; and, yielding to this unworthy
curiosity, Denman again passed through the captain's quarters, making
sure on the way that Florrie was locked in, and reached the deck.

There were two fights in progress, one a stand-up-and-knock-down affair
near the pilot-house; the other a wrestling match amidships. He could
not recognize the contestants, and, with the thought that perhaps
Forsythe was one of them, stepped forward a few feet to observe.

At this moment Billings--the cheerful Billings--came up the galley
hatch, no longer cheerful, but morose of face and menacing of gait, as
is usual with this type of man when drunk. He spied Denman in his skirt,
cloak, hat, and bandage, and, with a clucking chuckle in his throat and
a leering grin on his face, made for him.

"Say, old girl," he said, thickly. "Let's have a kiss."

Denman, anxious about his position and peculiar privilege, backed away;
but the unabashed pursuer still pursued, and caught him at the
companion. He attempted to pass his arm around Denman, but did not
succeed. Denman pushed him back a few feet; then, with the whole weight
of his body behind it, launched forth his fist, and struck the suitor
squarely between the eyes.

Billings was lifted off his feet and hurled backward his whole length
before he reached the deck; then he lay still for a moment, and as he
showed signs of life, Denman darted down to the wardroom, where he shed
his disguise as quickly as possible. Then he roused Florrie, passed the
garments in to her, warned her to keep her door locked, and went to his
own room, locking the doors behind him.

He waited and listened, while the shouts and oaths above grew less, and
finally silent, though at times he recognized Forsythe's threatening
voice. He supposed that by now all of them except Forsythe were stupidly
drunk, and was much surprised when, at eight bells, Billings opened the
door with his dinner, well cooked and savory. He was not quite sober,
but as sober as a drunken man may become who has had every nerve, sinew,
and internal organ shocked as by the kick of a mule.

"Bad times on deck, sir," he said. "This drinkin's all to the bad." He
leered comically through his closed and blackened eyelids, and tried to
smile; but it was too painful, and his face straightened.

"Why, what has happened?" inquired Denman. "I heard the row, but
couldn't see."

"Nothin' serious, sir," answered Billings, "except to me. Say, si