they were, were content to shiver if only they might not lose sight of her. Their reply was unintelligible; neither would look at the others; yet their mumbled response was understood, and the girl laughed again, loud, ringing, and full of allure.

“Such courage comes only of true sea stock, my friends! I shall not forget this fortitude when I have done with the schooner.”

“Flare close aboard!” roared Stumpy; then: “Seize my soul if I see the boat, though, mistress. Satan! Now the flare’s gone out!”

“Whereaway?” cried Dolores shrilly. Big Milo was out there in the blackness.

“Right under the bows!” bellowed the lookout. “Luff, or bear away; ye’ll run him down!”