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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of All Aboard, by Fannie E. Newberry
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: All Aboard
+       A Story for Girls
+
+Author: Fannie E. Newberry
+
+Release Date: August 7, 2006 [EBook #19001]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ALL ABOARD ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Al Haines
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ALL ABOARD
+
+
+A STORY FOR GIRLS
+
+
+
+BY FANNIE E. NEWBERRY
+
+
+_Author of "The Odd One," "Not for Profit," "Bubbles," "Joyce's
+Investments," "Sara a Princess," etc., etc._
+
+
+
+
+  "Our Faith, a star, shone o'er a rocky height;
+  The billows rose, and she was quenched in night."
+
+
+
+
+NEW YORK:
+
+A. L. BURT COMPANY, PUBLISHERS.
+
+
+
+
+COPYRIGHT, 1898.
+
+By A. I. BRADLEY & CO
+
+
+
+
+IN MEMORY
+
+OF A HAPPY VISIT,
+
+LET ME DEDICATE TO YOU, MY COUSINS
+
+H. S. AND W. FASSETT,
+
+THIS LITTLE BOOK
+
+WITH MY AFFECTIONATE REGARDS
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAP.
+
+     I.  Debby has a Caller
+    II.  The Leave-taking
+   III.  New Surroundings
+    IV.  Introductions
+     V.  "On the Bay of Biscay, O!"
+    VI.  Portuguese Towns and Heroes
+   VII.  Kite-flying and Gibraltar
+  VIII.  Nightmare and Gossip
+    IX.  A Game of Gromets
+     X.  Mrs. Windemere's Dinner
+    XI.  A Sunday at Sea
+   XII.  The Story of a Wreck
+  XIII.  Algiers and Andy
+   XIV.  Guesswork
+    XV.  Tropical Evenings
+   XVI.  Danger
+  XVII.  Lady Moreham Speaks
+ XVIII.  Last Days Together
+   XIX.  Old Ties and New
+    XX.  In Old Bombay
+   XXI.  Friends Ashore
+  XXII.  In Elephanta's Caves
+
+
+
+
+"ALL ABOARD!"
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+DEBBY HAS A CALLER.
+
+"And they're twins, you say?"
+
+"Yes'm, two of 'em, and as putty as twin blooms on a stalk, 'm."
+
+The second speaker was a large, corpulent woman, with a voluminous
+white apron tied about her voluminous waist.  She stood deferentially
+before the prospective roomer who had asked the question, to whom she
+was showing the accommodations of her house, with interpolations of a
+private nature, on a subject too near her heart, to-day, to be ignored
+even with strangers.  As she stood nodding her head with an emphasis
+that threatened to dislodge the smart cap with purple ribbons, which
+she had rather hastily assumed when summoned to the door, the caller
+mentally decided that here was a good soul, indeed, but rather
+loquacious to be the sole guardian of two girls "putty as twin blooms."
+
+She, herself, was tall and slender, and wore her rich street costume
+with an easy elegance, as if fine clothing were too much a matter of
+course to excite her interest.  But upon her face were lines which
+showed that, at some time, she had looked long and deeply into the
+hollow eyes of trouble, possibly despair.  Even the smile now curving
+her well-turned lips lacked the joyousness of youth, though in years
+she seemed well on the sunny side of early middle age.  She was
+evidently in no hurry this morning, and finding her possible landlady
+so ready to talk, bent an attentive ear that was most flattering to the
+good creature.
+
+"I knew," she said, sinking into a rattan chair tied up with blue
+ribbons, like an over-dressed baby, "that these rooms had an air which
+suggested youth and beauty.  I don't wonder your heart is sore to lose
+them."
+
+"Ah, it's broke it is, 'm!" the voice breaking in sympathy, "for I've
+looked upon 'em as my own, entirely, and it's nigh to eighteen year,
+now.  Their mother, just a slip of a girl herself, 'm, had only time
+for a long look at her babbies before she begun to sink, and when she
+see, herself, 'twas the end, she whispered, 'Debby'--I was right over
+her, 'm, leaving the babbies to anybody, for little they were to me
+then, beside the dear young mistress--so she says, says she, 'Debby!'
+and I says, very soft-like, 'Yes, Miss Helen,'--'cause, mind you, I'd
+been her maid afore she was merrit at all, and I allays forgot when I
+wasn't thinkin', and give her the old name--and I says, 'Yes, Miss
+Helen?'  And then she smiles up at me just as bright as on her wellest
+days, 'm, and says, 'Call 'em Faith and Hope,' Debby; that's what they
+would be to me if--and not rightly onderstandin' of her, I breaks in,
+'Faith and Hope?  Call _what_ faith and hope?'  For, thinkses I, 'she
+may be luny with the fever.'  But no, she says faint-like, but clear
+and sound as a bell, 'Call my babies so.  Let their names be Faith and
+Hope, and when their poor father comes home, say it was my wish, and he
+must not grieve too much, for he will have Faith and Hope always with
+him.'  And then the poor dear sinks off again and never rightly comes
+to, till she's clean gone."
+
+"And their father was on a voyage, then?"
+
+"Yes 'm, second mate of the 'International.'  He's cap'n now, 'm, with
+an interest in the steamship, and they do say they ain't many that's so
+dreadfully much finer in the big P. & O. lines--leastwise so I've heerd
+tell, 'm, and I guess they ain't no mistake about it, nuther."
+
+"And you have mothered his babies all these years?"
+
+"I have, 'm, yes.  In course when it come time for their schoolin' I
+had to let 'em go.  'Twas then Cap'n Hosmer was going to give up this
+house, 'cause 'twa'n't no use a-keepin' it while they was off, but thet
+made me put my wits to work, and I planned a plan as I ain't seen fit
+to find no fault with to this day.  I ups and merries John Gunter,
+what's been a-hangin' around a year or more, and I says, 'We'll take
+the house off your hands, Cap'n.  I've made up a notion to keep
+lodgers, and then that'll give my girls a place to come to, and git fed
+up, a holidays--don't you see, sir?  And at that he laughs and says,
+says he--for he's a man what's sound and sweet clear through, like a
+hard cabbage, 'm, no rotten nowhere--and he says: 'A good plan, Debby,
+and I'll rent your two best rooms for my daughters now, and pay a year
+in advance,' and so 'twas done, 'm.  And so's went the last five year,
+them a-coming and going, jest like the sunshine in Aprile, but now--"
+
+Again the always husky voice broke, and the white apron was turned into
+a handkerchief for the nonce.
+
+"Now you are going to lose them, you say?"
+
+"Yes'm.  They're to ship with their father for the long cruise--that
+is, I s'pose I oughter say they're a-goin with him on the long v'yage
+to Ingy."
+
+"I presume he gets lonely for them too, poor man!"
+
+"In course he do, 'm--I sees thet plain--and I can't really say a word,
+only--hist!  I believes it's 'em, now.  If that ain't my Miss Hope's
+rush through the hall then I'll--"
+
+An unmistakable breeze and clatter, in which fresh young voices could
+be plainly heard, sounded without, and, as both women faced the door,
+it was flung somewhat violently open, and a young creature appeared in
+its frame who seemed the incarnation of joy and brightness.
+Involuntarily the lady murmured "Hope!" for the young girl's great
+brown eyes were alight with fun, and her red-brown hair seemed to laugh
+sympathetically in every curly lock and tangle, while her parted lips
+showed teeth like bits of alabaster polished to splendor.
+
+She had scarcely entered when there seemed to be two of her, for her
+sister, close behind, was so perfect a counterpart that no one, unless
+a keen observer, could detect a difference.  The stranger was a keen
+observer and noticed that, while eyes, teeth, hair, and rich complexion
+were identical, also the height and build, the expression was quite
+different.  Where the first-comer was alert, bird-like, and possibly
+inclining to sharpness, the second was more dreamy, peaceful, and slow.
+She had called the one "Hope," and saw, with quick pleasure, that she
+was right, for as the girl stopped suddenly, abashed at finding a
+stranger in the room, Mrs. Gunter said apologetically--
+
+"I was jest takin' this lady through, Miss Hope.  She thowt as she
+might be a-wantin' of these after you an' Miss Faith was a-gone, maybe.
+Mrs. Rollston it is."
+
+Each young girl acknowledged the introduction with a pleasant little
+nod, and a murmured, "Happy to meet you, Mrs. Rollston," so precisely
+similar in voice and manner that she could not help an amused smile;
+yet, even here she could detect that same subtle difference in the
+expression.  Hope's nod was accompanied by a blithe glance, keen, yet
+inviting, Faith's with a softly-inquiring, yet half-indifferent look,
+as if some undercurrent of thought were still unstirred.  She felt that
+Hope appropriated her friendliness as a matter of course, while Faith,
+though not repelling it, maintained a fine reserve which might, or
+might not, vanish like hoar-frost in the first sun-ray of affection.
+She said gently, "Your kind Mrs. Gunter has been telling me something
+of your plans.  It takes a great deal out of a house when young people
+leave it."
+
+"Dear old Deb!  She doesn't realize what a lot of care it will take off
+her shoulders, though," cried Hope, quickly.  "It will give her hours
+and hours for Gyp and the lodgers.  You see,"--laughing and dimpling
+till Mrs. Rollston longed to kiss her,--"I put the dog first."
+
+"Which does not hurt my feelings yet, whatever it may do later,"
+returned that lady in kind.  "And when do you sail, may I ask?"
+
+"To-morrow morning.  I'm so glad we're to start by daylight.  We're
+going to take Debby out, and send her back in the pilot boat, aren't
+we, Faith?"
+
+"You nearly promised, you know, Debby," put in the one addressed,
+seeing dissent in her eye.
+
+"But not quite, honey.  I allays feels it's a temptin' of Proverdance
+for such a shaped woman as I be to set foot on things what goes
+a-rockin' around on the water.  I like to feel good solid earth under
+them feet!" and she peered quizzically over her round person at her
+huge carpet slippers, and shook her head with a chuckle of amusement.
+"I've watched them frisky little steam critters 'fore now, and they're
+most dujeous like to a babby jest a-larnin' to walk, or a tipsy man
+a-tryin' to steer straight when he sees double.  No, thankee kindly,
+but I guess I'll say good-by ashore, where I can cry it out comfortable
+after you're gone."
+
+"Foolish old Debby!" laughed Hope, while Faith looked with a sweet
+regret at her dear old nurse, but did not speak.
+
+"Do you know," said the stranger, who was about leaving, her business
+having been long finished, "I am wondering how it happened that these
+names were bestowed just as they are.  Can you tell me, Mrs. Gunter?
+It would seem as if the babies must have shown their dispositions when
+very young--or was it a happy chance?"
+
+Deborah laughed with unction.  It was a story she was fond of telling.
+They had just descended the stairs and she opened a door into a
+snug-looking sitting-room off the hall as she said--
+
+"Well, jest set you down again for a minute, 'm, if you please, and
+I'll tell you.  I ain't good for much at standin' long--too many pounds
+to hold up.  Here, 'm, this is the best chair--now I'll tell ye.  Fact
+is, I was in a real pupplex over them names for a time.  First, I was
+a-goin' to wait till their fayther got home, but they kept a-growin' so
+fast thet it didn't seem right not to have 'em named.  I was real
+worrited for a spell till, all at once, I found out that they was
+named--yes, and I'd done it myself!  'Twas like this: When they'd begin
+to be a stir in the crib, and I was right busy, I'd say to my shadder,
+'I hope it isn't this one, 'cause she wouldn't keep still a blessed
+minute'; or I'd say, 'I've faith to b'lieve it's that one, for she'll
+coo and play with her toes till I gets ready.'  'Twas allays jest
+so--'I hope,' or 'I've faith,' every time.  And soon as it come to me,
+why, I jest named the obstreperous one Hope and the quiet one
+Faith--don't you see?"
+
+"I do.  It was bright of you, too.  It really means that the names came
+by nature, so fit like a glove, of course.  But I must be off at once.
+Thank you for a pleasant morning, Mrs. Gunter!  I will bring my husband
+around to-morrow for his approval, if he can spare the time.  At any
+rate, I think I am not too hasty in saying we will take the rooms.  We
+will, if you please, pay by the week in advance, as he is only here on
+business, and our departure may, necessarily, be sudden.  Good-morning."
+
+She departed, followed by the smiles and curtesies of Mrs. Gunter, but
+not till the latter had found time to whisper huskily, "Aren't they
+sweet girls, 'm, and do you wonder it breaks me in pieces to lose 'm?"
+to which she responded heartily,
+
+"Indeed, I can fully understand your grief.  They are delightful, and
+singularly alike.  If I were to describe each in a word, I should say
+Hope is radiant, Faith lovely, and both are charming!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE LEAVE-TAKING.
+
+There were lively times in the Portsea lodging-house, next morning.
+The many last small tasks that crowd upon the out-going voyager had
+kept even Hope too busy to talk much, and she at length stopped
+breathlessly, to cry, as she jammed her dressing-sacque and tooth-brush
+into an already over-crowded bag,
+
+"Dear me!  Faith, have you a spot for my hair-brush?  It won't fold up
+nor crush down, and this crocodile is just gorged.  I don't know that I
+can ever snap his jaws to in the world!"
+
+Faith looked and smiled an assent.
+
+"Toss it over!  If your alligator-grip is full I can find room in this
+telescope, but I hope it won't break my scent bottle."
+
+"Oh, alligator--yes, but what's the difference?  The creatures look
+alike in the pictures, I'm sure.  That's a darling!  Now, if I can ever
+find the eye for this hook--oh, thank you!  How calm you are.  Why, my
+hands fairly shake with nervousness.  Now I believe I'm ready."
+
+"I too," returned Faith, taking up her gloves and smiling at Deborah,
+who just then opened the door, displaying eyes swollen with weeping and
+cap awry, and who observed sobbingly,
+
+"The new lady--Mrs. Rollston--is below, and asked if you was gone.  I
+thowt as likely she was a-wantin' to see you again, if you don't mind,
+though she didn't really ask for you.  Will you be pleased to come
+down?"
+
+"Yes indeed!" cried Hope.  "Where _did_ I put that umbrella?  Oh, I
+remember!  It's tied to the steamer trunk.  We may as well take our
+luggage all down, as we go so soon."
+
+"Yes," said Faith, who had already lifted the telescope and a linen
+rug-holder, embroidered with her initials, and calmly sailed out, while
+Hope buzzed aimlessly about, picking up sundry small belongings, during
+which time Debby shouldered her heavier packages and followed.  The
+girls allowed no dissimilarity in their costumes, to the smallest
+detail, but for convenience' sake had selected their traps and luggage
+as unlike as possible.  When Hope reached the drawing-room Mrs.
+Rollston was making to Faith a half-apology for her early visit.
+
+"I knew, if I could time my call exactly right, I would not bother you.
+There is always a breathing-space while waiting for the cab, and--"
+
+"And you have exactly hit it!" broke in Hope, coming forward to give
+her greeting, as Faith turned away.  "We are pleased to meet you again."
+
+"Thank you.  I find myself, in my idle time here, waiting upon my
+husband's business, taking more interest than is perhaps strictly
+allowable in you both.  Can you pardon me?"
+
+"Freely," said Faith, "and we return it.  Hope and I had a smart
+discussion over you, last night.  She says you are an American."
+
+"Does she?" turning swiftly to the sister.  "What makes you think so,
+Miss Hope?"
+
+"Your manner, your dress, and your accent," was the prompt reply though
+the girl flushed a little in embarrassment.
+
+"But how do you young English girls so well understand these points of
+difference when--"
+
+"Oh, but we're not English girls!" cried Hope.
+
+"That is, not entirely," qualified Faith.  "Our mother was English--"
+
+"But our father's American!" Hope finished the sentence with a
+triumphant air, and her visitor laughed.
+
+"You seem proud of it, too," she said.
+
+"I am.  Faith does not care so much, but I'm very glad it is so.  We
+went across with father and Debby once, and stayed a year.  It was such
+a pleasant time!  Father's people live in an old town they call
+Lynn--such a pretty, shady place, with a drowsy air that wakes into
+real life two or three times a day, when the factory people stream
+through the streets--for you see they make shoes there."
+
+"Do they?" asked the lady with a peculiar smile, as if this were not
+great news to her.
+
+"Yes.  Uncle Albert's house, where we lived, was almost hidden beneath
+great elm trees, and he and Aunt Clarice were so good to us."
+
+"And we kept bees," put in Faith, looking exactly like her twin in her
+sudden animation.  "I used to help uncle swarm them myself."
+
+"And we went down to Boston every few weeks," Hope crowded in again,
+"and that was fine.  I love Boston.  Its narrow, crooked streets make
+me think of our own Portsmouth, here, but with a difference.  And oh!
+the gardens, and the Common, and the Museum--"
+
+"The cab's at the dure," announced Debby in an abused voice, feeling
+that this lively talk was scarce seemly in view of the near separation
+to follow.  Debby cherished grief, and felt it a Christian duty to make
+much of it, perhaps because her sunny nature would of itself throw it
+off too lightly.
+
+At her word all was quickly changed.  The two girls forgot the strange
+woman to hug the dear old nurse, and finally were escorted by both to
+the cab door, Hope crying heartily, Faith showing only misty eyes and
+quivering lips, but looking paler than her sister.
+
+It had been arranged that Captain Hosmer, whose business had kept him
+with his steamer overnight, should meet his daughters at the pier, and
+the cabman had his directions, so whipped up and was off without delay,
+leaving poor Debby almost a senseless heap upon the door-step--an
+old-fashioned green door on a retired street in the more ancient part
+of the suburb--while Mrs. Rollston, in some dismay, bent over her.
+
+But before the house disappeared from view Faith's straining eyes saw
+the two slowly mounting the steps together and turned in great content
+to say, "I'm glad that friendly lady is to be at Debby's.  She has just
+helped the poor dear up the steps as kindly as possible.  Poor Debby!
+She will miss us."
+
+"Yes."  Hope's quick tears were already somewhat stayed, and she now
+looked brightly out, as they clattered across the bridge into the town
+of Portsmouth proper and began to circle swiftly through the narrow
+streets.
+
+"But she will feel better in a day or two.  And oh! Faith, I can't help
+being glad that we are going, can you?  We leave Debby, but we go with
+father, and such a fine voyage is enough to make any one happy.  Ought
+we to feel all sorry?"
+
+"No, indeed!  Why should we?  As you say, we are to go with our father.
+That alone is a great delight."
+
+"And, by the way, that lady never told us whether she was American, or
+not, did she?"
+
+"Sure enough!  Well, we may never see her again, so what does it
+matter?  I hope we will, though, for I liked her."
+
+"And so did I," was Hope's emphatic rejoinder.
+
+Captain Hosmer opened the cab door for them himself, and gave them the
+gaze of wondering approval which he reserved for these fair daughters.
+To him their growth, development, and beauty seemed something magical,
+incomprehensible.  He had left them in the lank, homely, tooth-shedding
+period, at the time he placed them in school, and when he returned to
+see them graduated, here were two blooming maidens on the very
+borderland of charming womanhood.  The usual love and pride of a father
+was in him a rapture made up of the love given to his very own, and
+also of the admiration that a man, little thrown among women, is apt to
+feel for those of his fireside.  Then, too, these were the relics of a
+wife most fondly cherished, and he constantly saw in them traits and
+expressions which brought her to mind, and filled his heart with
+tenderness.
+
+They, in turn, fairly adored the tall, brawny man, whose whole bearing
+bespoke self-restraint, and the calm exercise of authority, and if his
+attitude towards them was both chivalrous and tender, theirs to him was
+fondly admiring and respectful.
+
+"I've been waiting for you ten minutes," he said, flinging his cigar
+away.  Then he beckoned to a sailor who, cap in hand, stood by, and
+giving him a low order, led the girls off at a brisk pace, saying,
+"Jack will see to your luggage; I've something to show you before we
+leave."
+
+With one on either arm he walked them rapidly among the bales, boxes,
+cordage, wagons, lumber, and people crowding the wharf, then turned
+abruptly townwards, entered a short, lane-like street, and finally
+stopped at a low, quaint-looking old shop, leaning in a tired manner
+against a larger building beyond, thus throwing its doors and windows
+into such oblique angles that Hope declared it made her feel dizzy.  A
+little dark man--doubtless to match the little dark house--bowed with
+much suavity in the doorway, as if expecting them, and the captain at
+once addressed him.
+
+"Here we are, Beppo!  Bring them along, and be quick about it."  But,
+though his words were commanding, his eyes twinkled at the man, who,
+ducking his black head once more, disappeared within.
+
+The girls peered into the doorway, from which issued a by-no-means
+agreeable odor, and their father asked, laughingly.
+
+"Shall we go in?"
+
+"I think not," said Faith, holding her handkerchief to her dainty
+little nose, "but what are those queer--why!"  She jumped and caught at
+her father, for some one had seemed to ask in a gruff voice, right at
+her ear, "What d'ye want?"
+
+Her father laughed outright.
+
+"Scared you, eh?  Look out, Hope!" for the latter had stepped inside.
+
+She answered merrily.
+
+"Oh, Faith, come!  What you heard was a parrot.  And there are a lot of
+birds--oh! and cats--such queer ones.  Do come and see."
+
+But at this minute, from some inner apartment Beppo reappeared, a cage
+in either hand.  In one perched a parrot of gorgeous plumage, in the
+other crouched a beautiful Angora cat, large and tawny, its great brush
+of a tail curled disconsolately about its ears.
+
+"What a lovely kitten!" cried Faith, "and so frightened.  Poor, poor
+Pussy!"
+
+"And such a saucy parrot!" chimed in Hope.  "Isn't it handsome, though?"
+
+"He talka--oh, mocha he talka," observed Beppo, holding the cages on
+high with a prideful air.  "An' he pussa ver' fine, yes."
+
+"Well, girls, which do you like the better?" said the captain.  "I know
+it's the thing to give presents to out-going travelers, and I want to
+do everything shipshape.  But flowers are a nuisance the second day
+out, and fruit a drug, so I thought a pet was the thing.  It's only to
+decide which it shall be."
+
+"Oh, if we can't have both, do let's take the parrot; don't you say so,
+Faith?"
+
+"Why, if you wish it, of course, dear, but"--her gaze rested
+lingeringly upon the other cage.
+
+"But you want the Persian cat, I see, daughter," put in the captain.
+"Well, well, let's have both, Beppo.  We'll find some place to stow
+'em, no doubt.  Have you somebody by to carry them to the steamer?"
+
+"Me go," cried the man, grinning broadly in delight over this trade,
+"me vife she stay--me go."
+
+"But couldn't I carry the poor kitten in my arms, she seems to feel
+being a prisoner so?" asked Faith, distressed for the pet she loved
+already.
+
+"He might scratch you," said the captain, but Beppo shook his head.
+
+"Noa, noa, he gooda; but he getta waya.  Dis safa.  Betta go cagea."
+
+"Drat the cage!" shouted a hoarse voice, and Faith nearly fell over
+backwards, while Hope danced up and down in merry laughter.
+
+"It's my parrot!  Oh, father, _does_ he swear?  What will we do with
+him?"
+
+The captain was silently shaking with merriment, but drew himself
+together and turned sternly to the man.  "Beppo, you declared that was
+a refined, clean-talking bird--now, didn't you?  I told you it was for
+a young lady."
+
+The man's face fell and he broke into profuse apologies, which grew
+more unintelligible as they increased in vehemence.  Out of it all they
+managed to gather that this was the parrot's worst expression, and only
+lately learned of a "badda carpentiera," who had found difficulty in
+fashioning the wooden cage he was making, and had used "badda wodda" in
+consequence.  Hope could scarcely wait till he had finished to cry,
+anxiously,
+
+"But, father, it isn't a real swear-word, now, is it?  And anyhow we
+can teach him to do better.  Do, _do_ let me have him!"
+
+Her father gave her a merry glance.
+
+"They say some women really like to hear a man use strong
+expressions--now, it can't be you are like that--or is it that you want
+somebody to reform, eh?  However, if you can stand it I can--sailors
+have to get used to such things.  I can't say I've ever found it really
+necessary to swear though, as some of them maintain.  I can do a
+considerable amount of ordering in the worst storm going, and remember
+to rule my tongue as well as my crew.  In fact, I won't have anything
+of the kind aboard, so, my dear, if your bird begins by breaking my
+rules, what then?"
+
+"I shall teach him better.  Parrots say what they are taught, and if he
+does not hear it, he won't talk it."
+
+"Well, then, if you'll take him in hand--come on, Beppo, we must be
+moving," and the little procession began its march.
+
+Faith drew a long breath of relief.
+
+"Well," she remarked, with a dainty lifting of the brows that always
+made the captain think of his girl-wife, so long lost to him, "I'm
+decidedly grateful that my cat cannot talk.  He won't be able to
+disgrace us, at least."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+NEW SURROUNDINGS.
+
+"Oh, Hope, I wish they wouldn't!  Doesn't it seem too hard?  Those poor
+mothers and sisters--"
+
+"And sweethearts," added Hope under her breath, watching with great
+eyes.  "I don't mind so much those that make so much noise about it,
+like that big woman by the post, but this little group over here; they
+do feel awfully, and my heart aches for them."
+
+The girls were standing on the deck of the "International," watching
+the last adieux on shore.  A small squad of British soldiery were about
+embarking, and the home friends were gathered on the wharf, waiting for
+a last glimpse of their beloved boys.  The "big woman" Hope mentioned
+had made such violent demonstrations, insisting upon following her
+red-cheeked son about and weeping on his shoulder, that he had fled
+before the laughter of his brothers-in-arms, and hidden in some nook on
+board, leaving her to find solace in a vile-looking black pipe, which
+she was just lighting with an equanimity that did not suggest an
+entirely heart-broken condition.  The group mentioned consisting of the
+intelligent-looking young officer in charge of the squad, and three
+women, who were evidently mother, sister, and friend.
+
+They visited in low tones till the last minute, but at the final
+separation the poor mother turned from her red-coat's embrace, nearly
+fainting in her daughter's arms, and the poor fellow, looking back at
+the three pale faces, had staggered a little in his own walk, as if
+overcome by emotion, as he rallied his men for embarkation.  Just as
+the gang-plank slid inside upon its rollers, however, something
+happened which brought back the ever-ready laughter to the girls' lips.
+A young exquisite, with a monocle who had been hovering around one
+party, in which were two or three pretty girls whose sly fun at his
+expense he was too dense to appreciate, thought it would be a cunning
+thing to fling after them the handkerchief he had pretended to drench
+with regretful tears; but being very close to the edge of the wharf he
+miscalculated his balance, and would have toppled into the water, but
+that a burly tar, standing close by, caught him by his waistband and
+dragged him back to safety, swearing a round oath at him for his
+foolishness.
+
+The poor little dandy's natty straw hat and monocle were lost, though,
+but worse yet was the shout of laughter that arose from ship and shore,
+at his expense, mingled with cheers for the big sailor.  Crestfallen
+enough, he was glad to sink back into the crowd and become
+inconspicuous, for once.  But no one on the steamer gave him further
+attention, for, as they swung out into deep water with that majestic
+motion in which a great vessel seems to courtesy to the deep, there was
+too much of great interest to look at.
+
+The girls had thoroughly examined their fine stateroom, which opened
+from their father's cabin, a day or so before, and now, having hastily
+deposited the cat, parrot, and luggage within in its doors, were
+prepared to spend this first hour of their journey in making good use
+of their eyes.  It happened to be a fine day, clear and mild, with
+little air stirring, and even the most tearful of the passengers soon
+began to feel the influence of the fine air and lively scenes about
+them.
+
+As they passed Fort Monckton some regimental band was practising a
+martial air, which came in softened strains across the water, and it
+seemed as if Spithead roadway were fairly alive with craft of every
+description, from a gun-ship seeking dry dock for repairs, to a slender
+racing wherry, whose one occupant, bareheaded and armed, flung up an
+oar in greeting, as the stately "International" steamed by.
+
+Hope turned almost reluctantly from all this life and movement to watch
+the fertile shores of the Isle of Wight, but Faith fell at once under
+their spell, and could scarcely be persuaded to talk, so busy were her
+eyes noting the rich verdure and picturesqueness of the wooded scene.
+As they neared Cowes she pointed to a massive tower, which loomed up
+amid the thick verdure, and observed,
+
+"See, Hope, there's Osborne House, one of our queen's castles, isn't it
+beautiful?"
+
+"Yes," said Hope, "and there's a sloop flying an American flag--see?
+Ah! it's saluting--now watch our colors, Faith; isn't that pretty?  And
+aren't you glad we sail under both?  There's a book named 'Under Two
+Flags,' and I've wondered what it is about.  Our father's steamer sails
+under both the American and British, and I'm so proud of both I want to
+huzza every time I see them!"
+
+The breeze was freshening by this, so that they felt the need of more
+wraps, and decided to go below for them.  As they slowly paced across
+the broad deck their eyes roved from group to group, and they began
+already to decide which would, and would not, be desirable
+acquaintances.  In turn, many eyes followed them, and they caught such
+expressions as--"Did you ever see such a resemblance?  How beautiful
+they are, and how exactly alike," and the whisper, "Who are they?"
+passed from lip to lip, for, having roamed all over this great ocean
+hotel more than once, when "visiting papa," the twins now went about
+with an assurance few passengers had yet attained to.
+
+Besides the sight of two mere girls apparently unattended, is a most
+unusual thing abroad, and so our sisters seemed, this morning, for
+their father was too busy with his many duties to attend upon them when
+he knew they were perfectly at home, here.  As they entered their
+pretty cabin, for so the English oftenest designate a first-class
+stateroom, a pitiful "miew," long drawn out, and at once answered by a
+hoarse "Shut up!" greeted their ears.  The poor kitten was evidently
+suffering, and the naughty parrot scolding her for complaining.
+
+"It's a wicked shame to keep my fine Angora in that cage!" cried Faith,
+with unusual spirit, "And you must teach that rude fellow not to scold
+at her."
+
+Hope smiled good-naturedly.
+
+"How can I help his talking, dear?  But why can't we let kitty out,
+now?  Shut the door and have her get used to it here, first.  How
+pretty this room is!  Wasn't it lovely of father to fit it up freshly
+for us?"
+
+"Of course it was!" cried a well-known bass voice, and a blue-capped
+head appeared at the inner door.  "Going to let Puss out, girlies?"
+asked the captain.  "Wait, I'll assist you."
+
+He was soon down upon his knees fumbling with the cage, the girls
+watching him in eager anticipation; and this seems an excellent
+opportunity to describe the pretty apartment.  It was about twelve feet
+square, and its two narrow white bedsteads were set side by side
+beneath the starboard portholes, and safely screwed to the floor,
+leaving a narrow space beyond, which gave opportunity to reach the
+convenient wardrobe there.  In one corner, at the foot of the beds, was
+the stationary wash-stand with cleated shelves above, and a cunning
+pigeon-hole arrangement for shoes below--"Anything but footless boots
+clattering around in a gale!" said Captain Hosmer.  In the other corner
+was a dear little toilet-stand, built in securely, and fitted below
+with triangular drawers, which shut fast with a click, and were opened
+with a spring.  Its top was beveled out into fanciful squares and
+rounds, into which deep trays for toilet articles were secured, and,
+above, a mirror of goodly size was also screwed to place.  Between
+these was the door that led to a narrow corridor leading directly to
+the deck in one direction, to one of the saloons in the other.
+
+Along the wall space, opposite the wardrobe, were light racks for
+books, wraps, and knick-knacks, and below a long seat, or lounge,
+covered in white dimity, with its flounce reaching to the floor.  The
+top to this could be raised, and the space beneath made a most handy
+place for the bestowal of cloaks and gowns.  All the decorating of
+walls and panels was in white and pale green, pricked out with gold;
+and a small door close beside the bed-heads opened into the captain's
+cabin.
+
+This was a foot or two larger, and of irregular shape, its deck-wall
+forming a swell, in which were three broad windows which gave a view of
+the sea for a full half-circle of the horizon.  It also overlooked the
+forward deck, the watchful lookout on the bridge, the busy sailors at
+their tasks, and gave glimpses of the steerage at long range.  It was
+richly paneled in leather, with much gilding, the draperies were of
+crimson damask, and the seat which followed the window's swell was
+cushioned in crimson plush, all of which gave it a snug, shut-in look.
+A large table with a constant litter of maps, charts, sextants,
+log-books, pipes, and tobacco jars, occupied the center, and
+comfortable chairs were placed around in careless order.  There were a
+few books in some wall-shelves, a violin case in one corner--which
+instrument the captain loved to practise on, though he was no
+proficient--and one or two pretty India cabinets of lacquered work,
+containing odd specimens, and fine curios from many countries.
+
+His sleeping apartment, off at one side, which filled in the irregular
+triangle left from the rounded end, was a mere closet with a narrow
+bunk, "hard as iron," as Faith often disconsolately remarked, and a
+folding bath.  The captain asked no personal luxuries, yet no father
+ever lived who was more lavish in bestowing every refinement of dainty
+living upon his daughters.
+
+The girls liked to speak of his cabin as the "library," and mostly did
+so, much to its owner's amusement, who seldom read any book except the
+log, or the daily writings of the weather on sea and sky.
+
+"There!" he said, as he succeeded in loosening the cage door.  "Now
+come out, Mr. Puss, and make friends.  What are you going to name him,
+Faith?"
+
+"What would you, father?  It ought to be a Persian name, oughtn't it?"
+
+"That might do--if you don't get too much of a jaw-breaker, child.
+Remember, I'm not learned."
+
+"The idea!  When you can rattle off those Indian names that I cannot
+understand at all, Just as if they were everyday Hatties and Kitties
+and Pollys."
+
+He smiled.
+
+"Oh, of course.  I'm used to them.  But Persian's another thing, I
+suppose.  Come, kitty, don't be afraid--whew!" for, in spite of
+coaxing, the frightened creature made a dash past him, as he would have
+stroked its silky coat, and disappeared under the white valance of the
+nearest bed.
+
+Instantly Faith was on her knees, diving after, but nearly fell over
+with laughter when Mr. Parrot called out promptly, in a shocked voice,
+"Oh, for shame!"
+
+Amid the laughter the captain remarked quickly, "I have it!  Who was
+that Persian poet you were reading about the other night, in Portsea,
+Faith?  Why not name him that?  Don't you remember, he was said to be
+rather a shy, retiring man.  Now, kitty, here, seems to have the same
+disposition."
+
+Faith was now scrambling out, warm and tumbled, Puss safe in her arms,
+but only half yielding to restraint, and, smiling at her father's funny
+glance, she answered, gasping a little with her exertions,
+
+"It was Hafiz, papa.  I had thought of Ali Baba, but that always
+suggests the forty thieves, you know, and I wouldn't like my pretty
+Angora to be accused of stealing even cream--father, do you suppose
+he's hungry?"
+
+"Bless us!  Just as likely as not.  Wait, I'll send Joey for some milk
+at once," touching an electric button just above the seat.  "I see Mr.
+Parrot has his dinner in his cage.  Well, shall it be Hafiz?"
+
+"I believe that will do," returned Faith slowly, "and what will you
+name your bird, Hope?"
+
+"Oh, I'm not going so far for a name as all that, only to America, and
+I shall call him Texas."
+
+Her father, smiling at her ideas of distance, joined Faith in her
+surprised question, "But why?"
+
+"Why?  Because I've always thought, from things I've read about Texas,
+that it's a jolly, wide-awake state, but not over-refined, perhaps.  It
+has always seemed to me they did rather dreadful things there, but in
+an off-hand, good-natured sort of way, that made them seem more funny
+than really bad.  I don't think I can make it quite plain to you, but
+that's the way my parrot acts.  He is not so wicked as he seems, and I
+shall certainly call him Texas."
+
+At this instant the boy, who had been electrically summoned, appeared.
+He was a Japanese, with a good face, now in a broad smile as he
+received his orders, and the quick glance by which he took in the
+pretty room and its lively occupants was alert and well pleased.  He
+had waited upon the captain for years, spoke perfect English, and was
+the most faithful and good-tempered of lackeys.  He soon reappeared
+with some rich-looking milk, which poor Hafiz eagerly began to lap, so
+soon as Faith had poured some into a saucer, and for the first time a
+soft purring sounded from his white-collared throat.
+
+"There!" said his little mistress, watching him in great satisfaction,
+"he really was half starved.  Now, don't you see how like our Persian
+poet he is, father?  You remember Hafiz liked to sing of all
+comfortable things--good living, and so on.  Here is my Hafiz doing the
+same thing."
+
+"Only his language is not entirely comprehensible," laughed her sister.
+
+"Could you have understood the real poet any better?" was the arch
+response, and Hope had to acknowledge that, for all practical purposes,
+the Angora Hafiz was as intelligible as his namesake.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+INTRODUCTIONS.
+
+When they went back upon deck Faith had the pacified Hafiz in her arms,
+and was inclined to sympathize with her sister, who could not carry
+Texas about in that manner.  But Hope needed no consolation.  "Possibly
+I cannot, yet," she allowed, "but wait a while.  I intend to tame
+Texas, and then I shall have him to perch on my wrist like a falcon.
+And, just now, I don't know that I care to be hampered by any sort of a
+baby," laughing mischievously, for Faith looked quite motherly, with
+the kitten wrapped in a fold of her cape.
+
+They had come above to see the lighthouse and Hurst Castle, at the
+opening into the Channel, which seemed to be held out from the mainland
+by a long, thin arm of soil.  The Channel here narrows to about a mile
+in width, and these objects loom up conspicuously to the starboard of
+the outbound steamer.  As they stood watching from the hurricane deck,
+to which they had ascended, and admiring not only the bright scene
+before them, but also the splendor and cleanliness of their father's
+ship, a boyish voice was heard to exclaim,
+
+"Well, I've explored as far as they'll let me, and I say she's a dandy!
+I believe she'll compare pretty well with the P. & O. liners, after
+all, don't you, Bess?"  And up through the companionway came a head in
+a yachting-cap, followed by a slender boy in gray, with a frank, but
+homely visage.
+
+He gave the girls a keen glance, which they more modestly returned, and
+they privately decided, after a second look, that his eyes were fine
+and his smile a pleasant one, if he was slightly snub-nosed and
+freckled.
+
+Just behind him came the "Bess" of his question, a rather delicate
+young lady in appearance, possibly in her early twenties, the boy being
+at least four years younger.  She was not pretty, but as her eyes
+lighted upon the sisters, she too smiled so pleasantly, they were at
+once drawn to her, and returned the wordless greeting with more than
+civility.  Then Hope broke out, impulsively,
+
+"We are watching the lighthouse.  Doesn't it loom up well?  Almost as
+if we were going to run into it."
+
+"True enough," returned "Bess," as both drew nearer, and the boy added,
+to Faith,
+
+"You've got an Angora, haven't you?  We left one at home, didn't we,
+Bess?  He's a splendid fellow, Chimmie Fadden is!"
+
+"Chimmie Fadden?  What a funny name!" laughed the twins in chorus.
+
+"It's out of a story," he explained, "a Van Bibber story, and really
+means Jimmy, you know, but that's the way the boy pronounced it
+himself.  He acts timid," this in reference to Hafiz, who burrowed
+under Faith's arm, resenting his advances.
+
+"Yes, he doesn't like it on board, at all.  It's all too strange, yet.
+Father gave him to me just before we started, and he hasn't become used
+to anything--not even me."
+
+"And I've a parrot," put in Hope.  "_He_ takes it out in scolding.  I
+shall not dare have him on deck until he gets over his sulks, and will
+talk nice things.  So far, he is a bit rude and outspoken for polite
+society."
+
+Their light talk and laughter seemed to break all ice between them, if
+there had been any to break, and the young lady asked,
+
+"Do you go far?  I noticed you on the forward deck.  It is seldom one
+sees two people so exactly alike.  Can even your own mother tell you
+apart?"
+
+"Our mother we have never known, she died when we were so little," said
+Faith gently, "but Debby, our nurse, always knew, and so does father.
+Very few others do, though."
+
+"Is your father with you?"
+
+"Oh, yes, indeed!" laughed Hope.  "We couldn't very well do without
+him--"
+
+"Oh, I know, I know.  He's the _captain_!  Isn't he now?" cried the
+boy.  "I heard the head steward saying something to another officer
+about the captain's daughters.  Haven't I made a good guess?"
+
+"You certainly have," said Faith.
+
+"Then your name is Hosmer," added the boy, triumphantly.  "I've been
+over nearly the whole steamer, and she's fine!  And I know our captain
+quite well, and like him first-rate, already."
+
+"Oh, you do?" laughed his sister.  "Well, now you have ferreted out who
+these young ladies are, I think we ought to introduce ourselves.  This
+is my brother, Dwight Vanderhoff, of New York City, America, and I am
+his sister Elizabeth, generally shortened to Bess.  We are going with
+our mother and uncle, Mr. Dwight Lawrence, for whom this youngster is
+named, to India, and intend to make an extended tour.  We have been on
+the Continent and in the British Isles for three or four months, and
+haven't lost any of our Yankee enthusiasm and curiosity yet, as you
+see."
+
+"And we're American, too!" cried Hope.
+
+"And English," added Faith.
+
+"Why, how is that?"
+
+The latter explained.
+
+"Well, if that isn't jolly!" said Dwight.  "To be sure, this steamer's
+the 'International,' and sails under both flags.  I noticed our old
+'star-spangled' along with the Union Jack, and wondered.  Do you see,
+Bess?"
+
+"Of course I see, and am delighted.  I shall consider it a good omen
+for our voyage."
+
+"Especially as she carries Faith and Hope with her," remarked the
+latter, with a merry glance at her sister.
+
+"Certainly," returned Bess obliviously, but Dwight broke in,
+
+"Wait!  You mean something special by that; I see it in your eyes.  Let
+me guess again.  Faith and hope--faith and hope--I once knew a girl
+named Faith--say!  I'll bet a cooky those are your names.  Aren't they,
+now?"
+
+"Right again!" laughed Hope, while he jumped about, clapping his hands
+in ecstasy.
+
+"Hear that, Bess Vanderhoff?  Uncle always said I was a regular Yankee
+for guessing, and that shows it.  But those are stunning names for
+twins--"
+
+"Dwight, Dwight!  What an expression to describe those lovely words."
+
+"Well, it was rather off, Bess.  I beg your pardon, Miss Faith and
+Miss--but which is which, and how will I know if you tell me?  It's a
+regular Chinese puzzle, for you are precisely the same until you speak,
+and then there's a difference.  For you," he pointed towards Hope,
+"look somehow--well, jollier, I guess it is."
+
+"Don't be personal, Dwight," admonished his sister.
+
+"But it's a personal subject, sis, how can I help it?  May I make one
+more try at it?"
+
+"As many as you like," laughed Hope.
+
+"Well, then, if you're named as you ought to be you are Hope, because
+you look it, and she--"
+
+He was interrupted by a little cry from Faith, who had been watching
+the scenery more closely than the others.  They followed her gaze and
+were silenced a while by the impressive scene, for the Channel was
+opening broadly before them, its cold green waves curling into
+foam-tipped breakers, while the Needles, those natural turrets of the
+deep, rose in stately fashion from the waters, seemingly in their very
+path, as if here the bold voyager must needs be challenged before
+venturing further.  The narrow Solent was passed and a wider roadway
+was to be theirs for many a day.  But after a little, Dwight's
+irrepressible spirits broke out afresh, and he returned to the charge,
+evidently determined to be at no loss when addressing these girls, whom
+he secretly chose as companions for Bess and himself out of the whole
+passenger list.  He finished his guess concerning Hope, and once more
+proved his right to American citizenship.
+
+"But why do I look my name?" she asked curiously.
+
+"Can't tell; you just do, that's all.  I'm a guesser, but I can't
+explain why, at all.
+
+"You may know me by my cat--Hafiz the poet, at your service," said her
+sister merrily.
+
+"But when you don't have the cat, Miss Faith?  One of you ought to tie
+on a pink ribbon somewhere, and one a blue."
+
+"Yes, and then we'd be like the old woman with her eggs," put in Bess.
+"It would be sink or swim--pink or blue--but which?  I think I'd rather
+learn you by closer observation, and you mustn't mind if I stare a good
+deal for a time.
+
+"Oh, no, people always do stare," said Hope nonchalantly, which was,
+indeed, the truth.  The sisters had become so used to this attention in
+public that they were able to appear unconscious of it always, whether
+really so or not.  For, being sensible girls, they did not attribute
+this at all to their fair, fresh faces, but to the resemblance between
+them, enough of a novelty in this world of diversities to be always
+observable.
+
+They were well out into the Channel when summoned to luncheon, and only
+waited long enough for a good look back at the beautifully wooded
+shores before they went below.  The first meal at sea is always an
+interesting one.  It is a matter of great moment to many in what part
+of the saloon they will be assigned a place, and of course the special
+honor of sitting at the captain's table is desired by all, though
+attained by few.
+
+As they were descending towards the cabin, to join their father, Faith,
+ever thoughtful of others, said in a low voice.
+
+"Don't you wish we could have the Vanderhoff party at our table, Hope?"
+
+"True enough.  It would be fine!  Let's ask father."
+
+"But you know he leaves all that to Mr. Malcolm, and I don't believe we
+ought to meddle."
+
+Mr. Malcolm was the head steward, and it was an excellent rule of
+Captain Hosmer's to interfere as little as possible with the special
+prerogatives of his officers, who in turn always tried their best to
+please him.  Mr. Malcolm knew his duties thoroughly, and did them.
+
+This the girls knew, hence the disclaimer from thoughtful Faith,
+
+"Oh dear!  It would be so pleasant.  And father ought to have a say
+about his own table--"
+
+"But you know he's always consulted, dear, and by this time everything
+is planned."
+
+"Well, we might be consulted, too."
+
+"Why, Hope!  When he has planned everything to make it pleasant for us."
+
+Hope's pout died out into a shamefaced smile.
+
+"There, there!  Consider it unsaid, Miss Wisdom.  Guess I can
+appreciate the dear man, myself--and there he is looking for us now."
+
+Quite over her pet, she ran to meet him, and his tender smile met their
+upturned faces.
+
+"Ah, girlies, I was just coming for you.  I'll see you in to the table
+and join you presently.  Just now I'm busy, but Malcolm and Joey will
+look after you.  I didn't forget that my little girls were along when
+we fixed up the table-list, and you'll see they are not all ponderous
+elderly people with titles, this time.  Come on!"
+
+The sisters exchanged glances, and Hope in a spasm of repentance,
+murmured, "Oh papa, you're too good to us!" which he only half caught
+as Faith just then remarked,
+
+"But Hafiz--I'll have to--"
+
+"Here, Jack,"--to a passing attendant,--"take this kitten to my cabin,
+and see that the door is shut into the large stateroom, off.  Hafiz and
+Texas are better apart until time has cemented their friendship," he
+added, with a twinkle, turning again to his daughters.  "Now hurry!"
+and he raced them merrily down the companion-way, and through the after
+saloon, to the great apartment set out with table after table, in a
+bewildering vista of white linen, glittering silver, and shining
+crystal.
+
+As they stepped to their places Hope nearly gave a hop of pleasure, for
+on one side were Bess and Dwight, with a tall lady whom Bess greatly
+resembled, and a rather magnificent gentleman, whose whole air bespoke
+one used to power, to luxury, and to travel.
+
+The others consisted of two or three officers, an outgoing Indian
+official who wrote Sir before his name, a famous traveler, a minister
+from America, and a Russian writer of note.  The ladies were fewer,
+there being only three besides Mrs. Vanderhoff.  One was the wife of
+the English baronet, and the other two seemed traveling together, but
+in what relation was not apparent.  One was past middle life, and
+fine-looking, with snowy hair, brilliant eyes, and a polished speech
+and manner.  The other was, as the sisters rather hastily decided, not
+prepossessing in appearance, having a reserved and haughty manner.  She
+seldom spoke, and was either preoccupied, or indifferent.
+
+The captain, with a courteous general greeting, introduced his
+daughters, then seated them, one on either side of his own place, when,
+with a word to Joey, whose manner was eagerly attentive, he hastened
+back to his post, leaving them to their own devices.  Bess at once
+presented them to her mother and uncle, the latter in turn mentioning
+the names of the Indian official, Sir Wilbur Lawton, his wife and the
+traveler, whose famous cognomen may not be written here.  Then he
+glanced half inquiringly at the two ladies, who were evidently
+strangers to him, when she of the white hair said gracefully,
+
+"And let me present to all, my friend, Lady Moreham."
+
+Then, as her companion did not return the favor, she added, "And I am
+Mrs. Poinsett."
+
+The younger people were too well trained to monopolize conversation,
+but listened with pleasure to the talk between the gentlemen concerning
+hunting of "big game" in India, with which both the traveler and Sir
+Wilbur seemed well acquainted, Mr. Lawrence asking intelligent
+questions, and the Russian whose name was almost unpronounceable,
+putting in a broken sentence, or two, now and then.  The ladies mostly
+listened, also, but occasionally the two who were companions conversed
+in low tones.  Lady Lawton, who was extremely fleshy, devoted herself
+exclusively to her luncheon.
+
+The twins, meanwhile, made their observations with the promptitude of
+youth.  They liked Mrs. Vanderhoff, whose manner was quiet and
+sensible, in accord with her dress and appearance, and they also
+fancied Mrs. Poinsett, but the one called Lady Moreham they decided was
+disagreeable, and too proud of her rank to be sociable.  They were glad
+she sat at the further end of the table, and Hope remarked, as she bent
+forward for the pepper-box.  "There's a regular specimen of your
+British aristocracy, Faith Hosmer.  You must feel proud of it!"
+
+But Faith only smiled, as she murmured in return, "Judge not!" then,
+with her charming smile, answered Mr. Lawrence's question with a "No,
+sir, it is our first trip to India.  We have often been to Cowes, or
+Plymouth, with father, but never far from English shores, except once,
+when we spent a year in Massachusetts, at the time he was mate of the
+'Glasgow.'"
+
+"Ah, in what part?  Boston, I presume?"
+
+"Yes, sir, Boston, Lynn, Salem; but we lived at Lynn."
+
+Here Bess broke in to briefly explain the double nationality claimed by
+the girls, and for a rather embarrassing minute the attention of the
+table seemed concentrated upon them.  Amid the fusillade of question
+and comment Hope noticed Lady Moreham's eyes suddenly flash and
+soften--she could almost have thought there were tears in them, indeed.
+But why?  At any rate, she began to think there might be some redeeming
+traits, even in this "specimen of British aristocracy."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+"ON THE BAY OF BISCAY, O!"
+
+The meal was scarcely over, when there was a perceptible change in the
+movement of the steamship, for, no longer sheltered by the Isle of
+Wight, they soon discovered that what they had always heard of the
+broad English Channel is true, and found it one of the roughest sheets
+of water known.  Faith soon began to look "white around the gills," as
+Mr. Malcolm teasingly informed her, and when she said she "thought she
+would go and look after Hafiz," Hope rallied and ridiculed her, well
+backed by Dwight, who was a born sailor; but Bess evidently sympathized
+with her, and began herself to look wan.
+
+Faith had gone indoors--they were on the forward deck upon which the
+captain's cabin, or "library," opened, and Hope had been watching her
+zig-zag progress across it, laughing merrily, when, with the suddenness
+of a lightning-stroke, everything grew black and began to spin around
+her.  She looked helplessly at Dwight, whose grinning face was like
+that of a whirling dervish, made a little lurch forward, and would have
+fallen, but that watchful Mr. Malcolm caught her just in time.  He at
+once sent a boy for the stewardess, and they soon had the
+half-unconscious girl safe inside her own stateroom door, where Faith
+looked up drowsily from her little bed to remark,
+
+"Why, what's the matter?  Did she get hurt?"
+
+"Oh, no, only faint," returned the woman smiling broadly, while she
+unfastened Hope's gown and assisted her upon the other bed.  "There's
+the pair of you."
+
+"Two fools!" remarked the parrot, with such appropriateness that even
+Hope had to join feebly in the woman's jolly laughter, while Faith
+plucked up strength to gibe a little in return for her sister's attack
+on deck.
+
+"There, now, all you've got to do is to lie still," said the
+stewardess, as she turned away.  "Why, you little kitten!  Where did
+you come from?" for Hafiz, curled down snugly by Faith, had just
+attracted her notice.  "Is he yours, Miss Faith?"
+
+"Yes, Martha.  Papa gave him to me, and do let papa know, please, how
+sick we are, so that he can look in on us when he has time," she added,
+for, unaccustomed to illness, she felt they were almost in danger of
+their lives, now.
+
+When, however, a little later, their father peered in with a laughing
+face to rally them, and declared in cheery tones that they were "just
+getting their sea-legs, and would be good sailors in a day or two,"
+they took heart, and both soon drowsed off into hazy slumber.  But
+neither wanted any dinner that night, and did not attempt much exertion
+until late the next day.  Hope awoke, feeling much brighter, and felt
+that the motion was not so distressing as yesterday.  She looked across
+at Faith, who lay with closed eyes, pale indeed, but peaceful.
+
+"Are you awake?" she whispered.
+
+"Yes," returned her sister, opening her eyes only to close them at
+once.  "I'm awake, but it's the queerest thing.  So long as I keep my
+eyes closed I'm quite comfortable, but when I open them I feel as if I
+were in a high swing just ready to tumble out; and when Texas gets to
+pitching around in his cage, and hanging fairly upside down, and
+whirling around like a crazy thing, it makes me a great deal worse."
+
+Hope laughed.
+
+"Poor Texas!  I don't think he's very happy himself.  I wonder, are
+birds ever seasick, really?  I've heard they often mope and die on
+shipboard, but is it seasickness?"
+
+"I'm sure I don't know--but let's not talk about it!  What time do you
+suppose it is, Hope?"
+
+"Oh, somewhere along in the afternoon.  Somebody says there's no time
+at sea--it's all now.  Heigh-ho!  I've half a mind to get up and
+dress--why-y, what's that?"
+
+Sure enough!  Even Faith opened her eyes wide to stare upward, for
+there was something sliding through one of the portholes above their
+heads, and dropping softly downwards--a small package done up in
+crinkly pink paper, and tied neatly about with blue lutestring.
+
+"It's father!" cried Hope, as she scrambled to her knees to peer out,
+but she could see nobody on the narrow guards without.
+
+Meanwhile Faith grasped the little packet and began to untie it,
+forgetting her illness in her eagerness.
+
+The paper, when opened, disclosed two sea biscuits--the square, thin
+kind, like a soda cracker--and upon each was painted a tiny marine view
+in water-colors, while beneath was a couplet done in fanciful
+lettering.  One read,
+
+  "Hope for a season bade the world farewell,
+  And Freedom shrieked--as Kosciusko fell,"
+
+while the other bore the legend,
+
+  "Our Faith, a star, shone o'er a rocky height;
+  The billows rose, and she was quenched in night."
+
+
+"How absurd!  How funny!  Who did it?" they cried in concert,
+forgetting all ill feelings as they laughed till the tears came.
+
+"It never was father," said Hope, when she could get her voice.  "The
+dear man couldn't repeat a line of poetry to save his life.  That one
+about Kosciusko used to be in one of our school speakers, don't you
+know?"
+
+"Yes, it's Campbell's."  Faith always remembered more accurately than
+her sister, while the latter learned more readily.  "But who would ever
+think of applying it so oddly?  The play on our names is bright enough,
+but--I'll tell you, I'll tell you!  It was that boy--Dwight Vanderhoff.
+I just believe it!  He is clever, I'm sure, and his uncle could help
+him."
+
+"As likely as not--or Mr. Malcolm--but no, I don't believe he would.
+He is full of fun, but dignified too, and he never forgets we are the
+captain's daughters.  It must be that boy!  Martha Jordan says he
+hasn't been ill a minute, and that he knows everybody on shipboard,
+already, and they all like him."
+
+The stewardess was fond of the girls, and in her frequent visits had
+brought them every bit of news she could pick up, to lighten their
+confinement.  She appeared while they were conjecturing, and said,
+
+"Aha!  Well, aren't you?"
+
+"Almost," said Faith, as both began telling the story of their package.
+
+Martha appeared much interested, but there was a look on her honest
+face that seemed to say she was not so densely ignorant of the matter
+as she pretended to be, and, while she assisted them into their long,
+flannel-lined ulsters and close caps, for a visit to the upper deck,
+where she declared the fresh wind would blow their last qualms away,
+they tried to learn just what she did know, but without success.
+Giving it up, finally, Hope proposed that they wear the sea-biscuit as
+ornaments, and see who should look most conscious when they drew near.
+
+"A good idea!  And where is that box of ribbons?  Let's find a pink and
+blue, if we can."
+
+"Tell me where you put it and I'll look," said Martha, much amused,
+and, when found, she punched a hole through one corner of the pasty
+squares, and tied each to a button of the ulsters.  Hope's was pink,
+and Faith's blue.
+
+Thus equipped, she started them up the companion-way, and seeing they
+were reasonably firm on their feet, went about her business, chuckling
+to herself as if greatly enjoying something.  As they appeared above,
+they received a merry greeting from their father, who sat chatting with
+Mr. Lawrence to leeward of a smokestack, which gave a grateful warmth,
+as the day was a typical November one, gray and chill.
+
+Both gentlemen sprang up to offer chairs, and congratulate them upon
+their courage in venturing out, and they were barely seated, when up
+came Dwight, trying to keep under a most amazing grin that persisted in
+stretching his mouth from ear to ear.
+
+"Well, this is good!" he cried, shaking hands with a nourish.  "I knew,
+if you'd just make a try at it, you'd be all right.  If everybody would
+stick it out and stay on deck, as I do, there'd be no such thing as
+seasickness."
+
+"Oh, the conceit of him!" laughed his uncle.  "Stick it out, indeed!
+Why, you don't know what it means, you healthy young rascal.  You have
+the stomach of a goat!"
+
+To divert attention, possibly, Dwight suddenly turned to the girls, and
+inspected them with apparent curiosity.
+
+"You seem to be decorated, this afternoon," he remarked in a
+non-committal tone, "and got on your pink and blue ribbons, I declare!"
+
+His gaze rested on the sea-biscuit, and he lowered his eyelids to hide
+the laugh behind them.
+
+"You didn't know we had decorations on this ship?" asked Hope
+teasingly.  "Only a few get them.  They are for good conduct under
+trying conditions.  We have been ill, but not disagreeably ill.
+There's a difference."
+
+The gentlemen were looking at the painted squares, now, and her father
+said, "What's that nonsense, my dear?  What are they, anyhow?"
+
+"Just something the stormy petrels dropped through our porthole," said
+Faith, gravely taking up the tale.  "Aren't they pretty?"
+
+"H'm!  Quite so."  Mr. Lawrence was also indulging in a long look.
+"Did a merman paint them for you?  And what sea-king got up that
+poetry?  It seems well selected, if not entirely original."  He glanced
+at his nephew quizzically, and added, "I suppose the other name of that
+Freedom who shrieked was Dwight, wasn't it?  Pretty well, sir, pretty
+well!  I recognize the work.  Your style is original, Mr. Artist
+Vanderhoff."
+
+"And didn't you help him one bit, Mr. Lawrence?" asked Faith.
+
+"Did not even know of it, Miss Hosmer."
+
+"Then I call it a mighty smart performance!" cried Hope in a tone of
+finality which brought a hearty laugh from the group.
+
+"Clever enough!" decided the captain, as he spelled out the twisted
+lines, and chuckled over them.  "You're quite an artist, young man.  I
+remember, a few years back, I had a whole crew of the long-haired
+profession aboard, and a jolly, turbulent set they were.  They
+decorated the ship from stem to gudgeon in all sorts of unexpected
+places, and almost disorganized my Lascars, snatching them off duty to
+pose as models.  I had to threaten to driven 'em below at the rope's
+end, and batten down the hatches, to bring them to reason.  But they
+made fun for us the whole voyage, and I was sorry to see the last of
+them at Gibraltar."
+
+The steamer was now in the broad Bay of Biscay, which washes the bold
+shores of France and Spain, and the water had that compact hue of dark
+azure, with occasional greenish lights, that tells of deep soundings.
+
+As they forged ahead, to the steady drum-beat of the engines, the broad
+swirl of water, churned into foam by the great propellers at the stern,
+marked their path as far back as the eye could reach.  The weather was
+fitful, and the sky cleared somewhat toward sunset, but its light was
+cold, and threatening clouds hung close upon its edge.  The treacherous
+weather predicted of the bay might be upon them soon, though as yet it
+had been "all plain sailing," as the captain observed.
+
+"It's either here, or on the Indian seas," he said laughingly.
+"Somewhere, we'll have to take it!  It is not often we get through
+without a little shaking up, somewhere.  'Twould scarcely be possible
+in so long a voyage."
+
+"About how long does it take you?" asked Mr. Lawrence, lazily watching
+the line of faint silvery blue, streaking the horizon.
+
+"Oh, I usually make it inside of thirty days, when our stops aren't too
+long," returned the captain.  "Of course the P. & O. liners, being
+mail-carriers, do it in much less time.  But they're built for speed,
+and make fewer stops.  Then, we tramp steamers always give them the
+right of way in harbor--hello!"
+
+He rose to his feet, his keen eyes looking off to starboard, while at
+the same instant came a cry from the lookout, "Sail to starboard, aft!"
+
+The others, following the captain's gaze, saw something like a faint
+smudge growing on the horizon's line against the faintly tinted hue,
+and, even as they watched, it deepened to a waving plume.
+
+"Come!" said he, and they followed him to the bridge, where, giving
+each a turn at the glass, they watched the plume until a shape was
+attached to it, and it grew into a graceful steamship, its funnels
+belching black, and its sails gleaming like shadowy shapes of vapor
+till they grew near enough to become defined, and materialized by
+nearness.
+
+"It's one of the liners now--a P. & O!" cried the captain with some
+excitement.  "Isn't she a lady, though?  Watch her gait!  She's as
+steady and swift as the stars in their courses.  You'll see her colors
+soon."
+
+He sang out an order or two, then turned to answer Faith who, with her
+eyes fixed on the rapidly nearing steamer, asked dreamily,
+
+"What does P. & O. stand for, papa?"
+
+"Why, don't you know?  For goodness' sake, child, what an odd question
+for a seaman's daughter to ask!"
+
+"But I surely don't know.  I never heard anything but P. & O. and I
+never even thought to ask before."
+
+"Well, it's Peninsular and Oriental, of course--there, see her colors?
+Those four triangles in blue, white, yellow, and red, at her masthead.
+Watch while we salute her!"
+
+The beautiful courtesy was given and exchanged, the great steamer
+passing at so close range that they could see the clustered groups upon
+her immense decks, note the fluttering handkerchiefs, and hear their
+cheers, in response to those from the "International," ringing faint,
+yet clear, across the watery space between.
+
+"That's the 'London,'" said the captain dropping his glass after a
+long, admiring gaze, "and, by the way, the old 'London,' a fine,
+staunch vessel, was wrecked in this very bay years ago."
+
+They watched the leviathan, with its hundreds of passengers, a long
+time, but at length its greater speed carried it from view in the
+darkening night, and they were presently reminded, by the signal, that
+it was time to dress for dinner.
+
+The "International" would have seemed odd, in many respects, to one
+used only to the trans-Atlantic steamers, for, though entirely
+officered by English-speaking whites, its crew consisted largely of
+Malays and Lascars, while the waiters were mostly Japanese and
+Bengalese, wearing a costume compounded of their native gowns and the
+white aprons of European waiters.  The maids, under Mrs. Jordan, were
+also East Indian women, and they were very picturesque in their saris,
+or head coverings, of gay colors, with brilliant teeth gleaming out of
+their swarthy faces, and eyes like beads for blackness.  Even the boys
+who answered bell-calls and polished the brasses and the shoes, were
+from Soudan or Bombay, and the stokers down in the engine-room were
+Seedees, black as the coals they kept flinging into those yawning red
+mouths, which made one think of an opening into the great pit of Hades.
+
+These Seedees are as near a salamander as a human being can be,
+perhaps, and certainly they will endure heat that would soon kill a
+white man.  Sometimes, in those southern seas, the temperature of the
+furnace-room is something unthinkable, yet they endure it; though, as
+soon as their relief appears, they will fling their steaming, and
+almost naked, bodies into the scuppers, to let the rush of water wash
+them into coolness, once more.  It was understood that the girls were
+not to visit any of the lower regions of the ship, without the company
+of some officer, but Mr. Malcolm was very accommodating, so, matronized
+by Mrs. Vanderhoff, her party and the twins managed to peep into nearly
+every hole and corner before the voyage was over.  Even where they did
+not care to go Dwight would penetrate, if by crawling or climbing he
+could reach the spot.
+
+Before bedtime the steamer had changed its course to westward, and as
+it encountered a stiff head wind its progress was labored and slow.
+Most of the passengers early "sought the seclusion that the cabin
+grants," as Dwight mockingly observed, but, sheltered in the snug
+pilot-house, our girls, with himself and Bess, rode out the "storm," as
+Faith called it (though the gray old steersman laughed at the idea),
+until a late hour.  All day there had been a flock of sea-gulls
+following them, and, attracted by the light, they sometimes dashed
+against the windows, startling the girls and delighting Dwight.  They
+will follow a steamer much as a fly does a horse, always keeping at
+just about such a distance, though one would think, in their
+sky-circling and ocean-dipping, they must lose time occasionally.  As
+these birds of the sea glide down a billow, then skim lightly up again,
+it would seem they must sometimes be caught in the swirl of foam and
+borne under, but no!  Every time, no matter with what fusilade of spray
+the wave breaks, Mr. Seagull rises, lightly triumphant, with not so
+much as a silver feather wetted by salt water!
+
+The night grew very dark, and the sea was turbulent.  The late
+supper--a fourth meal always served on board the "International"--was
+something of a scramble, but our young people enjoyed it, as few of the
+older passengers were present, and though an occasional fit of
+squeamishness disturbed both twins, while Bess had to disappear
+suddenly, Dwight ate calmly on of everything offered, with an
+equanimity that tickled Joey, and excited the envy of all.  The saloons
+looked deserted, and only a few mustered for a short look at the light
+on Finisterre.  After seeing it, our girls decided bed was a good
+place, but Faith thought she had scarcely dropped asleep, though hours
+had fled, when something seemed to shake her into consciousness, and
+Hope's agitated voice whispered, "Oh, what is that?"
+
+It was a hoarse, awful, prolonged bellow, as of some giant ox in sore
+distress, and when it would stop, occasionally, faint and far would
+come another bellow, mellowed by distance, but sounding unspeakably
+eerie and frightsome.  A bell, too, seemed to be tolling a knell for
+something, and there was a constant rush of feet on deck, mingled with
+trumpeted orders and the rattle of cordage.  Yet the steamer did not
+seem to be pitching about at all, as it was when they retired.  Could
+they be going down, and were those awful noises calls for help?  And
+where could they be to have answers coming over the waves like that?
+
+"Oh dear!" sighed Hope.  "What can it all mean?  Do see if papa is in
+his cabin; you're on that side."
+
+"Of course he isn't!" answered her sister, more calmly.  "When there's
+danger he's always at his post.  And do you suppose, if there was real
+danger for us, that he wouldn't come and let us know?  I can trust my
+father!"
+
+"Well, so can I," snapped Hope, so disgusted at this superior tone she
+half forgot her fright.  "But it might be that he couldn't get to us,
+Faith Hosmer!  He might be washed overboard."
+
+Something in the idea of her big, cool father being washed off the
+decks of this staunch ship somehow amused Faith, who really was not
+much alarmed, and she could not help laughing, which gave fresh offense
+to her sister, who, breaking into tears, exclaimed, "You're a heartless
+girl, and ought to be ashamed!"
+
+"Why, Hope!"  A soft arm stole around her neck and a little figure
+"cuddled" close.  "You're all wrought up, but really I don't think it's
+so bad.  See how quiet the ship is.  I presume we're caught in a fog,
+or something.  Just as likely as not we're off the light, yet, and that
+is a bell-buoy, or something."
+
+"Dear!  I'd like to call a bell-boy, and ask," giggled Hope, a bit
+hysterical.  "Hark! there's papa now."
+
+In an instant the two girls were on their feet peering into the
+"library."
+
+"Oh, papa, what is it?" cried Hope.
+
+"What's what, my dear?" coming nearer, and showing himself wrapped in
+tarpaulins from head to heels.  "D'ye mean that old tooter?" laughing
+lightly.  "Nothing at all, except that we're in a fog and the horn's
+got a chill.  Now turn in, quick, before you get one, too, and go to
+sleep, dearies; your father's watching."
+
+"Hope," said her sister, after they had lain still a while.  "I think
+that's a beautiful thought!  'Your father's watching.'  It means two
+fathers for us, dear, and One of them cannot make a mistake, even in a
+fog.  Good night and pleasant dreams.  I'm going to sleep."
+
+They kissed and curled down contentedly, sleeping like babies all
+night.  Father was watching!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+PORTUGUESE TOWNS AND HEROES.
+
+The fog had delayed them some hours, but when the girls awoke, late the
+next morning, there was not a vestige of it left, save an extra
+brilliance in the clear air, while the engines were pounding away in a
+brave effort to bring them into Lisbon by the schedule.  As noon
+approached, and the pale tan of the coast line grew upon them, all was
+animation on board, for any landing when voyaging by sea, is an event,
+and especially so when the stay is to be of several hours duration.
+
+Our twins dragged out their flat steamer trunks from under their beds,
+and pulled out their prettiest street costumes, glad to discard the
+useful ulster for a light jacket and hat.  They were told the weather
+would be mild on shore, though it was November, and they were delighted
+to feel themselves really "dressed up" again, as Hope remarked.
+
+"Do you know," put in her sister ruminantly, "there's ever so much
+difference between being dressed up and well dressed.  Now there's Mrs.
+Vanderhoff; she never is really dressed up, but I have not yet seen her
+when she was not well dressed for the occasion."
+
+"Faith, if you get to moralizing I shall go distracted!  Where _did_ we
+put our jeweled hat pins?  I've looked and looked, and--oh, there they
+are right under my nose.  Goodness! is that a rap?--Ah, is it you, Miss
+Bess?  Come right in.  How fine you look in your shore clothes!"
+
+"Shore clothes?  That's good!  Country people talk about store clothes
+at home, but I never heard of shore clothes, before."
+
+"Well, it's my invention--an inspiration of the moment.  I'll make you
+a present of it.  Do you know, Faith, we'll have to buy some new
+handkerchiefs, or have ours laundered in some way.  I never used so
+many in my life."
+
+"You might do as the Carrollton girls, from Chicago, did when they were
+abroad, last year," remarked Bess with a laugh.  "There were so many of
+them that the laundry bills were dreadful, so they concluded to wash
+out their own handkerchiefs.  Of course they had no way of ironing
+them, so, while they were still very wet, they would plaster them up
+against the window-panes in the sun, to dry.  They said the embroidered
+ones would come out beautifully, just as if nicely pressed on the wrong
+side.  It got so they would look at the window panes the first thing,
+when they reached a hotel, or pension, to see if they were large enough
+for drying-boards.  And when they visited the Tuileries, as they all
+stood in silence, gazing at the great fountain, the lovely flowers, and
+the lawn of velvet, Minnie suddenly broke out, 'What a beautiful place
+to dry our handkerchiefs, girls!'"
+
+"How ridiculous!" cried Faith.  "I hope no such practical thought will
+mar the romance of our visit to Lisbon, to-day."
+
+"Oh, nothing could take your romance away," said Hope.  "A little more
+practicality wouldn't hurt you.  But come, I'm ready.  Let's go up and
+see the blessed land, even if it is only Portuguese soil."
+
+Thus talking and laughing they hastened deckwards, and many eyes turned
+upon them with pleasure as they appeared, so bright and rosy, and
+unconscious of anything but the enjoyment in hand.  Even Lady Moreham's
+face relaxed, and her eyes followed them with a wistful expression, as
+she remarked, _sotto voce_, "How sweetly they look!"
+
+"Sweet, you mean," hinted Mrs. Poinsett at her elbow, with a
+deferential air, yet decided tone.
+
+The other turned with a quick, impatient sigh, and half-resentful
+manner, but in a moment moved closer and said humbly,
+
+"Thank you for the correction!  Do not let my smallest errors escape
+you."
+
+Mrs. Poinsett bent her dignified head.
+
+"I obey you, my lady, though it is hard for both of us."
+
+"Yes, everything is hard, but no matter."
+
+And now all eyes were gazing shorewards, for Lisbon presents a
+beautiful appearance when approached from the water, rising, as she
+does, in terraces which overlook the noble Tagus, and are in turn
+overlooked by the Sierras, ending in the Peak of Lisbon, at its mouth.
+Arriving thus, one does not see the filth and squalor, the tumble-down
+buildings, unpaved streets, or many poor mean houses tucked in among
+the grander ones.  Lisbon has sometimes been called "The Sultana of the
+West," and the comparison is apt enough, for like many a sultana her
+first appearance is conspicuously beautiful, but she will not bear too
+close inspection.  Her jewels are often mere colored glass, her
+embroideries tawdry, and her garments not over clean.
+
+But in the brilliant sunshine of this glowing noon Portugal's capital
+sat throned in majesty, and the passengers were enthusiastic in their
+praises.
+
+"Come!" cried Dwight, appearing like a bombshell in their midst.  "Are
+you ready, girls?  We're going ashore together, and while the captain
+runs about on his affairs, uncle and mother are going to trot us around
+wherever we want to go.  Then, by and by, we're to meet him in the
+Place of Commerce, and go for dinner at the Braganza.  He and uncle
+have fixed it all up.  Hip, hooray!  Won't it be jolly to be on land
+again?"
+
+But it proved slow work making their way in, for the river's mouth,
+which broadens into a noble harbor, was choked with the shipping of
+many lands, which had doubtless been detained by the fog of last night.
+As the young people leaned over the guard rail, it was great fun to
+watch the crowd of clumsy little native boats, laden with fruit and
+wine, which were hovering about the steamer, and getting in the way of
+everybody, while crying their wares.  Many of these boatmen seemed as
+dark in complexion as any East Indian on board, and nearly all wore
+ear-rings, generally of silver, in the dingy lobes of their ears.  They
+seemed noisy and quarrelsome, and often shrieked what seemed like
+terrible imprecations at each other, shaking their fists and scowling
+darkly, only to be laughing carelessly the next minute, as if nothing
+mattered.  Dwight was about motioning one man to fling him up a bunch
+of figs, in exchange for the silver coin in his fingers, when his uncle
+called them to the other side of the deck, which was just as well, for
+it would have had to be a splendid toss and catch had he secured them.
+
+Mr. Lawrence wanted to point out the difference between a clumsy coast
+lugger just putting out to sea, and a clean little clipper-built
+English yacht coming in.  He said,
+
+"It is a difference that you will see in almost everything here.  The
+Portuguese do not know the meaning of the word thrift, as we understand
+it, and if cleanliness is not next to godliness with them, it certainly
+is next to royalty, for it never descends to the common people."
+
+When, at last, they went on shore and left the wharves behind, most of
+the bustle died away, and they could see that Mr. Lawrence had only
+told the truth, in the easy way in which all business seemed to be
+managed.
+
+But they found much to admire and enjoy in the odd costumes and people
+they were constantly meeting; more, as Hope rather contemptuously
+remarked, than in the buildings, which were "just like houses anywhere."
+
+She was right enough, for this is largely true on the seaward side of
+Lisbon.  Her quaintness, and squalor also, lie further inland, where
+the old quarters are to be found.
+
+"So you don't think Lisbon has many novelties, Miss Hosmer?" laughed
+Mr. Lawrence, who thought there was more fun in the young people than
+in scenes that were not new to him.  "Just wait a bit!  We are coming
+to something now."
+
+He led the way into a pleasant enclosure, or placa, as they call it
+there, saying carelessly, "Let's cross to the other side."
+
+They started briskly enough, but in a minute Hope flung out a hand as
+if for support.
+
+"Oh, I can't stand up another minute!" she cried.  "It makes me
+seasick."
+
+But Dwight caught her arm and laughingly urged her on, stumbling and
+protesting, for this is known as Rolling Motion Square, and is paved in
+gray-blue stone to represent billows in motion.  So complete is the
+effect that those who are still giddy from ocean travel find it a trial
+to walk across it.
+
+"Dwight," called his mother admonishingly, "you will weary the patience
+of these young ladies.  Come and help your mother a minute, can't you?"
+
+"Of course I can, mommy, provided Miss Hope will release me, but she is
+clinging awfully tight just now!"
+
+Amid the laughter his uncle sent him forward with a push, and offered
+his own arm.
+
+"Get out, you rascal!  We're nearly across, Miss Hosmer, and I'm very
+glad of an opportunity to monopolize you for a little.  I see you are
+not greatly impressed with Portugal; you don't like it so well
+as--well, Lynn, for instance?"
+
+"Now you are laughing at me, but indeed I do not!  Do you know, Mr.
+Lawrence, I have always wished we girls were Americans in real
+earnest--to live there, you understand.  I love England, too, but while
+I was with Uncle Albert at Lynn, he used to talk to me a great deal
+about that grand United States and it seems to me a wonderful land.
+Faith was not so strong as I, and used to stay in more--you see, uncle
+was not really in the busy part, but well out where it was more like
+the country--and she did not go about with him as I did.  Once he took
+me to Plymouth, and when he showed me that rock with the railing around
+it, and told me about those Pilgrim fathers braving the sea and
+savages, just to worship God as they thought was right, it seemed to me
+as if my whole soul bowed down in reverence!  From that minute I was an
+American girl--a New England girl--and I have kept true to my father's
+country ever since."
+
+"I think," said Mr. Lawrence, thoughtfully, "that there is something in
+the foundation of our New England which gives it an interest beyond
+that of almost any region known, and it certainly appeals to any nature
+which has an enthusiasm for the heroic and noble.  Many countries have
+been acquired through bloodshed, by conquest and because of greed and
+glory, but a country whose foundations were laid in the rights of
+conscience only, whose progenitors took God alone for their Leader, and
+his rules and service for their code--who came in peace and poverty,
+demanding nothing but the right to live and die true men--ah! no wonder
+New England is proud of her forefathers."
+
+"What Portuguese hero are you lecturing about now, uncle?" called back
+Dwight, saucily, but was at once suppressed by his mother.  Hope
+answered lightly,
+
+"We have found better heroes than those old Portuguese fighters, we
+think; haven't we, Mr. Lawrence?"
+
+"Yes.  Still, there is one man whom I greatly admire, of this nation,
+and I think we will visit his statue next.  What do you know about Luiz
+de Camoes, or, as we write it, Camoens, Dwight?"
+
+"Gracious!  Nothing at all; never heard of him.  Was he a fighter?"
+
+"Hardly.  At any rate he did his fighting in a noble way--rather like
+heaping coals of fire I should say.  He was a writer."
+
+"Oh, tell us about him, uncle."
+
+"What!  A lecture?  But that is not admissible in polite society."
+
+"Now, don't tease.  You know we are all dying to hear about him.
+Proceed!"
+
+"Dying?" put in Mrs. Vanderhoff.  "How extravagantly you talk, my son."
+
+"Well, crazy, then."
+
+She laughed hopelessly.
+
+"Go on, pray," she said to her brother.  "He simply leaps from the
+frying-pan into the fire."
+
+"De Camoens," he said, "was by no means without faults, but he was
+gifted, generous, forgiving, and brave.  He was foolish enough to love
+a lady too near the throne, and on that account was banished, and
+endured many hardships for years.  Yet he did not let this dampen his
+love of country, and his loyalty to the government.  Though an exile,
+he wrote a romantic epic extolling the deeds of his countrymen in all
+ages, which has become a great classic, and has made both them and
+himself immortal.  I call that a generous deed!  He died poor and
+unnoticed, but now his people make an idol of him, and his statue is
+one of the sights of Lisbon."
+
+"Did he live here?" asked Faith.  "That is, when he was not in exile?"
+
+"Yes, this was his home."
+
+"And his poem was the Lusiad," added Mrs. Vanderhoff.
+
+"Why, I've heard of that!" cried Dwight.  "We had something about it in
+our Rhetoric."
+
+"And here," said Mr. Lawrence, pointing down a street into which they
+had turned, "you catch your first glimpse of his statue.  Poor fellow!
+I wonder if he knows of the tardy recognition, wherever he is now?"
+
+They stood some time before this monument to an unfortunate genius,
+then started on a lively exploration of the streets and shops, which
+was perhaps more interesting to the ladies than to their escort.  At
+any rate it was with something like a sigh of relief that he at length
+glanced at his watch, and declared it was time to meet the captain in
+the Place of Commerce, close by.
+
+This is a conspicuous square in Lisbon, and they had already visited
+some of its arcaded shops, but without taking special note of its
+attractions.  Now they had leisure to stroll about and admire the fine
+public buildings, and the exquisite flowers and foliage.  Quite
+suddenly they came upon the captain who was, to the great astonishment
+of his daughters, walking leisurely about in company with Lady Moreham
+and Mrs. Poinsett.  They all stopped to exchange greetings, and finally
+wandered over to the open side of the square, where is a fine view of
+the Tagus, with its varied shipping and busy shores.  As they were
+turning to make their way to the hotel for dinner, Faith found herself
+beside the English lady, who said in a gentle voice, which seemed oddly
+out of place with her reserved, almost haughty, manner,
+
+"Have you enjoyed the afternoon, my child?"
+
+"Very much, thank you," said Faith.  "There are so many queer-looking
+people, and it is diverting to visit all these open booths, and try to
+understand their jargon and make them understand ours.  I feel in a
+dream sometimes."
+
+"Then you have not traveled largely?"
+
+"Very little, my lady."
+
+"I heard you and your sister speak of being in the United States some
+time, did I not?"
+
+"Oh yes, a year.  Our father was born there."
+
+"And you were in Boston?"
+
+"Yes, many times."
+
+"Did you ever go to any of the suburbs--Brookline, for instance?"
+
+"I was there twice.  We had friends living there.  Isn't it a charming
+place?  It made me think of some of our prettiest English towns."
+
+"Oh, it is better--that is, I have heard it spoken of as a little
+paradise.  Did you go about considerable?"
+
+Faith glanced at her, surprised by several things.  First, there was a
+wistful note in her voice which seemed singular when speaking of a town
+never visited; second, with all her precise use of language, once in a
+while this woman of the highest aristocracy made an odd slip in a
+grammatical way.  She was a somewhat puzzling compound.  Faith answered,
+
+"A little.  We rode up on Corey's Hill, of course, and around by the
+reservoir, and out towards Jamaica Pond--but you do not know, perhaps--"
+
+"Go on, pray!  I like to hear it."  The woman's manner was almost
+breathless with eagerness, and Faith, wondering still more, continued.
+"I enjoyed as much as anything just wandering around alone, and looking
+at the lovely homes.  I never was quite sure when I was in a real
+street, or in a private way, till I saw the signs up, and I used to
+wonder why these beautiful little lanes were labeled, 'Dangerous,' till
+uncle told me it was because they were private property, and the town
+would not be responsible for accidents that might happen there.  My
+friend lived in a park, with several houses set down at random, and
+pretty drives through it, and another little girl I visited lived well
+up the hill, and when she wanted to come down town in winter she just
+tucked herself up on a little sled, and coasted all the way.  I thought
+that must be great fun!"
+
+Lady Moreham's eyes were all alight.
+
+"I love to hear you tell about it!" she said.  "Some other time we will
+talk some more.  Your father is beckoning you to hurry, now, and there
+is my friend waiting for me impatiently.  But did you ever hear of
+Hale's story, The Man Without a Country?  Hale is an American writer."
+
+"I have heard of him, but have not read that story," returned the girl.
+
+"It is a sad one--a very sad one!  Good-by.  Thank you for a pleasant
+stroll.  I will see you again."
+
+She passed swiftly ahead, to join Mrs. Poinsett, and Faith turned aside
+to her own party, but when they joked her on making a conquest of the
+titled lady she only smiled dreamily, and saw an eager face, filled
+with almost girlish life, begging for childish particulars about a
+modest place in far-away New England.
+
+It was after sunset when, their excellent dinner over, they returned on
+board the dear old steamer, which seemed really like home as Joey
+smiled a welcome, Mr. Malcolm called a greeting down from the guards,
+and two or three of the babies ran from their ayahs' sides, along the
+deck, to meet them.  Even the Bengali boy grinned, as he cleared away
+some paper bags and fruit skins, and a little Mohammedan, who had been
+making a perch to which Texas could be chained when on deck, came with
+deep salaams to beg that they would step and see if it were
+satisfactory.  They expressed themselves much pleased, but Faith
+pointed to the long chain attached, and said.
+
+"I don't like that!  It makes me think of dungeons and criminals."
+
+"But we'd lose him without it," urged Hope.
+
+"I suppose so.  I'm glad, though, my pet is a cat, and does not need
+chains or cages, I'm going to tell the babies a story in the little
+saloon, Hope, if you want me.  They like it before they have to go to
+bed."
+
+An hour or so later the girls were resting idly in their own stateroom,
+when Faith asked, suddenly.  "What do you think of my lady?  Do you
+like her any better?"
+
+"You mean Lady Moreham?  Yes, I think I do.  What was she saying to
+you, anyhow, in the placa?"
+
+"Not much.  Simply asking questions.  I did the talking."
+
+"I thought at first she was horrid--proud and cross, you
+know,"--continued Hope, who was lolling indolently on the
+dimity-covered seat, in a loose gown, "but I'm not so certain of it,
+now.  There's something about her--I wonder if father ever knew her
+before?  He seems friendly with her, don't you think?"
+
+"Oh, he's friendly with everybody; it's his business to be.  And, of
+course, she is an important personage.  But she kept me talking about
+Brookline, to-day--you remember the pretty place just out from Boston
+don't you?--and it seemed odd she should care about it.  And did you
+notice, yesterday, whenever we spoke of--"
+
+"Yes, I did.  You can't mention America but she wakes up.  Other times
+she doesn't even seem to hear.  Perhaps she has been there, after all."
+
+"Possibly.  I wonder what she is going out to India for?"
+
+"Oh, to join her husband, probably.  That's what all the ladies go for,
+isn't it?"
+
+A tap at the door and their father's voice.
+
+"Asleep, girlies?"
+
+"Oh no, papa," cried Hope, throwing the door open.  "We are up yet, and
+as wide awake as hawks."
+
+"All right!  Get into your ulsters, and come up to the pilot-house.
+There's a fresh breeze springing up from N.N.E. that will send us
+spinning on our way, when we can catch it.  As soon as we get a good
+offing, you'll see as pretty a sight as you need ever expect to--the
+old 'International' under full canvas making her eighteen knots an hour
+for Gibraltar--lively now!"
+
+In a moment they were beside him, hastening to the elevated turret,
+with its outlook in every direction, and presently the girls were
+enchanted to watch the lively rattling of ropes and shrouds, the rapid
+unfurling of the great sails, that snapped to place as if clapping
+giant hands in joy.  When these caught the breeze and braced themselves
+to duty, there was a sort of thrill along the good ship, as if she had
+responded with one quick heart-beat.  Then, fair, still, magnificent,
+she glided away, leaving the twinkling lights of city and harbor to
+fade out in distance--first those low on the water, then the street
+lights on the terraces, and lastly one lone gleam in a distant tower
+that, like a friendly eye, still gazed after them when, far out in the
+open, they sailed smoothly on, the fires banked, and Steam gracefully
+yielding place to his older brother, Wind.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+KITE-FLYING AND GIBRALTAR.
+
+When they awoke, next morning, the engines were at work again, and
+their heavy thud, thud, was mingled with the swash of water, as the
+Bengali boys washed down decks, while a rattling of spars and creaking
+of cordage showed that sails were being set, or lowered.
+
+Hope, always wide awake at once, sprang from her little white couch to
+find that it was difficult to keep her footing on the sliding plane of
+her stateroom floor, but slipping into gown and ulster as quickly as
+possible, and bracing herself with extended hands through the narrow
+passageway to the deck, she was soon outside, gasping a little in the
+fresh wind that met her full in the face and caught her breath away.
+For the ship was now headed for the Straits, and steaming almost in the
+teeth of the brisk northeaster.
+
+There was not a hint of land, as far as the eye could see, and the
+waters, of a deep, cold blue, were white-capped to the horizon's edge.
+She felt dizzy, and most uncertain on her feet, but not six feet
+distant was a heap of low camp-chairs, huddled together out of the way
+of the still dripping deck planks.  If she could reach one and get to
+leeward of that capstan--but what should she hold on to meanwhile?
+
+And, even as she asked herself the question, the goodly steamer,
+happening to dip her lowest courtesy to a rude in-coming wave of giant
+proportions, shipped its combing crest, that poured through the
+latticed guard-rail and swirled across the deck, with a force, that
+sent poor Hope a drenched, doubled-up little heap of helplessness,
+pounding right into the midst of the chair-stack.
+
+Before she had time to cry out, however, she was caught up, and her
+father's voice, hoarse and frightened, asked quickly,
+
+"Are you hurt, love?--Are you hurt?"
+
+As she looked up into his anxious face, pale beneath the sun-bronze,
+Hope fully realized how deeply her father loved her, and answered in a
+much subdued voice,
+
+"No, papa--not much.  I think I've barked my knees and bumped my head,
+but I guess that's all--except the wetting!" shivering a little.
+
+"Yes, you mustn't take cold.  I'll help you right back, and send Martha
+to you.  You'd better crawl into your little nest again as soon as
+you're thoroughly dry, and don't venture outside again until I come and
+get you, my storm-bird."
+
+"Father," she said, as he was about leaving her at the cabin door, "do
+you _never_ sleep?  I left you up at midnight, and I find you up at
+dawn."
+
+"Sleep?  Oh, yes, sometimes.  That's the last thing a captain thinks
+of, though.  If I should sleep too much it might mean an eternal sleep
+for my passengers and crew.  Now hurry into bed and get warm, chicken.
+I'll see that you have some hot chocolate at once."
+
+It was nearly two hours later, and Hope had quite slept off the effects
+of her wetting, when the two girls ventured forth again, but now the
+motion was still and even, and the old ship steady as a house floor,
+for they were under the lee of Cape Trafalgar, making swift time for
+Tarifa and the Straits.
+
+As the girls sat lazily, after their morning's outlook, in the pleasant
+saloon, amid a group of ladies and children, listening to the cheerful
+chatter going on about them, and laughing at the antics of the little
+tots playing about in charge of their gaily-turbaned Indian ayahs, or
+nurses, Dwight came in, all excitement, and cried,
+
+"Come, girls, we're going to have an exhibition.  Loo Wing has made an
+elegant kite--regular Chinese one, you know--and we're going to fly it
+from the after-deck.  Hurry up!"
+
+They hastily followed his rush around the guards, and after them
+trailed all the children old enough to run alone, and many of the
+mothers, for anything new is welcome at sea.  On the after-deck they
+found the captain, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Malcolm, and other passengers,
+assisting the cook's boy, Loo Wing, inputting the last touches to a
+singular erection of red, yellow, and purple, made of crinkled paper,
+which looked like a hybrid creature, half bird, half dragon.
+
+Loo Wing had it in hand, and Mr. Lawrence was adjusting its immensely
+long tail, while the captain was paying out twine from a stick.
+
+"Oh, uncle!" called Dwight in an agonized voice, "you know I was to
+start it.  Loo Wing promised I should."
+
+"Well, well, who said you weren't?  We're only making ready.  But be
+careful and not let it get tangled in the rigging," was quickly
+returned.
+
+"No, indeed!" cried the boy, trembling with excitement, as he received
+from the smiling oriental the gaudy thing, and started for the taffrail
+eager to see it off on its aerial journey.
+
+But he was in too great a hurry, and despite warning cries from Captain
+Hosmer, Loo Wing, and the Bengali boy, who was supposed to be polishing
+the brass rod of the taffrail, he sent the kite up just in season for a
+contrary puff of wind to catch its extended wings, and blow it squarely
+into the topmost shrouds and ratlines of the mizzen-mast, where,
+entangled in the network of ropes, it fluttered helplessly.
+
+Poor Dwight was almost beyond speaking in his despair, when the little
+Bengali, with a swift, beseeching look at his captain, sprang forward
+and ran up the rope-ladder with the lithe, quick motion of a monkey.
+
+"Oh, don't let him!" cried Faith, but her father only laughed.
+
+"He's used to it, don't worry!" he said, and thus assured, they watched
+the brown lad's dizzy climb until the kite was reached.  Here, hanging
+on by his toes, apparently, to the cross-bar, he bent over and loosened
+the erratic flyer.  Then, holding it far out, he looked down for
+further orders.
+
+"Shall he let her go, Master Dwight?" said the captain.  "It's your
+kite to command.  Here's the twine, and hang tight, if he does, for
+'twill give you a strong pull."
+
+"Yes, let her fly!" cried Dwight, excitedly, bracing himself and gazing
+upwards.
+
+The little Indian waited for a favorable instant, then with a prolonged
+"Hi-yi!" that drew the attention of all on board, gave it a light toss
+to leeward, which sent it off like a bird, indeed.  Luckily, it had not
+been torn by its temporary delay, and now, caught aft by the wind, it
+sailed up and away with a force that fairly dragged Dwight across the
+deck until, laughing heartily, the captain eased him by a grasp on the
+twine, until he could "get another cinch," as the lad explained, and
+pay it out more rapidly.
+
+It really made a beautiful appearance against the blue sky, with its
+gay colors and extended wings, and Loo Wing clapped his hands in
+delight, while the passengers cheered lustily.  They watched it till it
+was a mere speck in the canopy, and Dwight greatly amused the little
+ones by sending up "letters," or bits of white paper, on the twine.
+But after an hour or two of this fun, the captain sang out,
+
+"Better tie your bird to the taffrail and take a look for'ards pretty
+soon.  'Twill pay for the trouble."
+
+They acted upon his advice, making a rush for the forward deck, and saw
+that it was well worth a longer journey than from end to end of a great
+steamer.
+
+They were nearing the Straits; already Tarifa's white fortress was
+smiling in friendly fashion across the narrowing waters, while, on the
+other hand, the hazy spurs of Atlas outlined the African coast.  And as
+they gazed delightedly, with much laughter over the roughening waves,
+which made it necessary for them to wedge themselves into convenient
+nooks in order to stand upright, they saw great Gibraltar looming up
+somber, massive, and gray-blue, with the frown of a giant defying the
+universe.
+
+No wonder the ancients thought these opposite heights, so impregnable,
+so sentinel-like, were gates set by the gods to define earth's outer
+boundaries, beyond which the most daring mariner must never sail.
+
+As our friends watched the broad slope of Calpe, lying in the full
+sunshine of a brilliant noon, its ledges bristling with bastions and
+cannon, above the little town which seems to nestle beneath in
+contented safety, Faith turned to her sister with kindling eyes.
+
+"Now, aren't you proud of our mother, England?  Where in all the world
+is there such another fortress commanding the entrance to two oceans,
+and looking down upon two continents, I'd like to know?"
+
+Hope looked up in amazement.
+
+"Well, Faith, I never heard you soar into such eloquence, before.  You
+have subjugated me!  What shall I do?  Sing 'God save the Queen,' or
+shout 'For England and St. George'?  I'm at your service.  But then,"
+she added mischievously, "I don't think it was such a wonderful thing
+for its garrison to hold out over three years, as our history tells us
+they did, for what could all the warships France and Spain might bring,
+ever accomplish against that solid rock?"
+
+"Ah! but it was a gallant resistance, just the same!" cried Mr.
+Lawrence, as he joined them.  "There has, perhaps, never been such a
+fierce and prolonged bombardment as that, and Europe looked on with
+wonder, as every resource of two great nations was brought to bear
+against that garrison of seven thousand men, who could not be starved,
+nor conquered.  It looked black for them, sometimes, but British
+endurance and red-hot shot won the day, and the carnage on board those
+ill-fated vessels during the last of the fierce engagement was beyond
+anything recorded in history.  They simply _had_ to give it up!"
+
+As they now slowly steamed up the beautiful bay it was almost like
+sailing over a mill-pond, after the past roughness, for it lay still
+beneath the vertical sun, and was thronged with shipping of every
+description and nationality.  Presently there came a reverberation that
+seemed to ricochet from rock and wave, and a little girl cried blankly,
+
+"Oh dear!  Are they firing at us?"
+
+But an officer called out,
+
+"No, it's a Russian corvette, saluting.  See its dragon flag of black
+and yellow?  Now--watch!"
+
+He pointed shorewards just as a puff of white smoke issued from an
+innocent-looking clump of trees on the rocky hillside, which preceded
+the sound of an answering boom from the iron lips of the fortress.
+This was repeated many times, the hoarse cannon barks alternating
+between gun-ship and shore, in an awe-inspiring exchange of courtesies.
+As the girls grew used to the thunderous sounds they delighted to
+speculate from which bastion, or ledge, or flowering bush, would come
+that little puff of smoke, to be followed by the lightning and thunder
+of man's invention, scarcely less terrible than those of nature's cloud
+contests.
+
+"I'm glad to have seen it," said Faith somewhat tremulously, when the
+salvo was over.  "It gives one some idea of what it might be if that
+fortress were really firing for business.  Just think how dreadful!"
+
+"But do tell me," cried her sister, "how can trees and shrubs grow so
+luxuriantly on that rocky soil, and what keeps the houses from blowing
+off some of those steep cliffs?  Do you know, I never supposed there
+were any houses, before.  I thought, from the pictures, that the rock
+went straight up out of the water, with the fort stuck on top, like a
+thimble on a big chocolate caramel.  But here's a regular town."
+
+Mr. Lawrence laughed.
+
+"It's odd, the ideas we get of places till we see them!  To be sure,
+the rock is nearly perpendicular to the north and east, but here, as
+you see, it makes a long slope to the water's edge, and the cliff is
+broken into many elevations.  Of course, you'll go ashore and take a
+closer look at it all?"
+
+"Yes, father's going with us.  We'll be here quite a while to take on
+coal, and he wants us to see the galleries, and the signal-station."
+
+"And I want to see the tailless monkeys," added Dwight, as he joined
+them.  "We'll have a procession to brag of, for nearly everybody's
+going ashore.  Mr. Malcolm's to lead the van with the children, he
+says, and Mrs. Campbell is to close up the rear of his section, while
+mother follows with ours.  They've been laughing about it over there.
+Ah, there's Bess beckoning!  Be sure and join us, girls."
+
+"Yes, when father comes.  Goody! here he is.  We're all ready, papa."
+
+"So am I, but you'll have to wait till I've attended to my papers--but
+it won't take long.  Just follow on."
+
+The passengers were soon streaming shorewards over the long pier, and
+sniffing with delight the fresh odor of flowers that filled the air,
+which, to Hope, was a continual wonder, for she could not yet accept
+the fact of lovely English gardens on this gray old rock.
+
+A walk through the paved streets, with their home-like dwellings,
+stores, churches, and official buildings only increased this wonder,
+and her stock of adjectives was soon exhausted.  Mr. Malcolm,
+naturally, led them first to the market, where business called him, and
+here the girls were specially interested in the flowers, some of the
+booths being fancifully arranged with a bewildering display.
+
+The people they met seemed of every complexion and country, from groups
+of tourists in the latest fashion to a couple of long-robed Parsees,
+with their funny little caps perched above their black polls.  Bess
+indicated another passer-by, and said in a low tone, "What an old maid
+of a man!" and certainly, with his straight gown, and a high comb stuck
+up in his back hair which was coiled into a tight knot, the
+dark-skinned fellow did strongly suggest a typical spinster.
+
+Even Hope looked pleased, and Faith's eyes glittered as a small company
+of British soldiery, from the barracks, in red coats and white helmets,
+and with fresh young faces, came clattering down the street, and
+returned the greetings of the gentlemen, and smiles of the ladies, with
+their military salute, and a second glance in the direction of their
+pretty young countrywomen.
+
+Some of the party, who were not good climbers, had been accommodated
+with donkeys at the hotel, before starting for the galleries, but many
+walked, and it was a long and somewhat straggling procession.
+
+The galleries mentioned are long passageways, cut through the solid
+rock, and pierced with portholes at regular intervals, so that the
+gun-muzzles, which peer through them, can command town, bay, and
+neutral ground.  Faith, whose reverence for this old citadel grew every
+minute, felt that the clatter of the donkey's heels, the gay calling
+back and forth, and the cries of the children ought, in these dim
+tunnels, to be hushed into awed silence.  But no one else seemed so
+impressed, though the men made measurements and discussed the labor and
+expense of such enginery, as if it were a great achievement.
+
+As they emerged she found herself close by Lady Moreham, also walking,
+who remarked carelessly,
+
+"You look solemn, Miss Hosmer."
+
+"Do I?  I think all this strength and power are wonderful, don't you,
+my lady?"
+
+"Yes, and awful!  It oppresses me.  When England lays her hand on
+anything it is a heavy hand.  The victim must yield, or die."
+
+"And yet, surely our people are comfortable and wisely ruled?  We are a
+happy nation."
+
+"Perhaps--of course.  I was speaking of her in the abstract, merely.
+But is it not true that the marked characteristic of all Englishmen is
+tyranny?  Don't they rule wherever they go?  Aren't they always and
+everywhere the dominant class--the oppressors?  Watch the British
+tourist in any far country.  Does he ever conform to its customs in the
+least?  No, he forces them to come to his ways.  You will see this in
+every port we enter, every hotel we visit.  English ideas govern
+everything."
+
+"But why shouldn't they?" asked Faith, feeling as if rather beyond her
+depth, but bound to be loyal to her country.  "If they have conquered
+these people, haven't they the right to make laws for them?"
+
+"Oh, laws!  Yes.  But not to strip them of all originality, all
+independent thought and manner.  They need not change their tastes,
+their habits, their traditions--but there! what does a girl like you
+know, or care, about all this, to be sure?  Your wings have never felt
+the cold shears of British superiority, nor your heart been wounded by
+the sneers and scorn of her aristocracy."
+
+She smiled bitterly, and Faith was puzzled to know what she could mean
+when she, herself, was a distinguished member of the class she seemed
+to take issue with.
+
+They were separated then, and Faith borne on by the younger ones, but
+as she looked out over the bay, with its forest of shipping, and down
+at the terraced streets just below, she thought it a strange thing that
+so favored a woman should rail at her own country and kinsmen.  It
+oppressed her loyal little heart, for she had begun to like the titled
+lady, and hated to find so grave a flaw in her nature.
+
+The signal house, perched like an eagle's nest on its rocky spur,
+proved intensely interesting, though it was difficult to remember what
+all the instruments were for, while the signal flags and their many
+combinations were a complete mystery.  Perhaps they enjoyed all the
+more the visit to the tailless monkeys, that Dwight insisted upon
+later, where they did not expect to be learned, but only to look and
+laugh to their young hearts' content.
+
+Dwight was anxious to own one, but his uncle resisted his entreaties,
+declaring that monkeys--with, or without tails--would be a drug in the
+market long before they returned to New York.
+
+It was late afternoon when they steamed out of the New Mole, and as
+they looked back upon the precipitous eastern face of Gibraltar, and
+watched the signal station, which now seemed sitting on a mere
+knife-edge of rock, and the roads winding up like paths for birds to
+light on, it did not seem as if they could have found them so roomy
+when on the spot.  In dreamy mood Faith watched the surf, ceaselessly
+beating itself against that massive wall, only to fall back bruised and
+broken.  It saddened her, and she was not surprised, after the first
+shock of it, to see that Lady Moreham, standing near by, was gazing
+also, with tear-filled eyes.
+
+As Faith discovered her emotion, the lady, believing herself
+unobserved, turned with a gesture that was eloquent of despair, and
+Faith heard her murmuring, "It is like my life--oh! pitiless, pitiless."
+
+Half frightened, the girl slipped behind an intervening barrier, and
+stole away.
+
+"Poor lady!" she thought, almost in tears herself.  "I would not have
+her know I heard for anything.  What can make her so unhappy?  She
+seems to have no friends, no country.  I do not believe it is pride,
+either, nor any feeling of rank and exclusiveness that keeps her so
+shut in, else why should she be so pleasant to me?  It is some great
+misery, I'm sure.  God help, and pity her!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+NIGHTMARE AND GOSSIP.
+
+I think it must have been half nightmare, or perhaps too much frozen
+pudding at dinner, after the long warm tramp up Gibraltar's steep
+sides; at any rate it all happened just as I tell you.  Hope retired
+somewhat earlier than the rest, leaving Faith in the saloon, where the
+passengers were enjoying an impromptu concert given by a Romany man and
+his two daughters, who had come on board at Gibraltar to exhibit their
+skill with mandolin, tambourine, voice, and guitar.
+
+It grew a bit monotonous and shrill, after the novelty wore off, and as
+Hope had become interested in a book some one had lent her, which told
+about the old pirates of Algiers and their traffic in Christian slaves,
+she stole away to her stateroom, slipped into a loose gown, and turning
+on the electric light at her bedhead, settled down for an enjoyable
+evening.
+
+It proved to be a blood-curdling narrative, filled with the accounts of
+helpless crews butchered by pirates and their passengers, men, women,
+and children carried off in chains, to be sold as slaves in the wicked
+old Algerian city.  Yet, though so thrilling, she was very tired, and
+in time it was difficult to keep her place and realize just what it was
+all about.  Half mechanically, at last, she turned off the light and
+lay back on her pillow where, in less time than it takes to tell it,
+she was sound asleep.  Still, however, the pirates of her book mingled
+with her dreams, which were so horrible she struggled into
+wakefulness--to find herself drenched with perspiration while shivering
+with horror.  Anxious for companionship to counteract the effect of
+these evil visions, she reached out an arm to the other little bed and
+whispered, "Faith!"
+
+With a shock she discovered that the bed was smooth and empty; it had
+not been occupied.  At the same instant she became aware of whispering
+voices just without the porthole above her bed, and a sentence or two
+proved they were not English-speaking voices, either, but those of
+orientals, of whom, as you know, there were many on shipboard.  At
+first she could not understand a word, they spoke so low and rapidly,
+but presently she heard with clearness the sentence,
+
+"But ee mus' be kill eef she do care!  It can no be help, now."
+
+Then more whispers, and then again, distinctly, one urging the other to
+attend to the matter at once, the quicker the better, "foh eet gotta
+be," and a word or two about the "Capitan Sahib," which she could not
+catch.
+
+But, in her abnormal, excited state, she had heard enough.  Trembling
+from the tragedies of sleep, she thought she had fallen into the
+greater ones of reality.  These men were going to kill somebody--and
+"she" was to feel dreadfully about it.  It must be that the "Capitan
+Sahib" was to fall a victim to their mutinous designs!
+
+Almost paralyzed with horror she lay still an instant, incapable of
+movement, then there was a rushing back of suspended animation as she
+felt that Faith might already have suffered, that her father's life was
+now in danger and there was not an instant to lose.  Upon her prompt
+action might depend his life, and the safety of all on board.
+
+Casting off her own terror with the resolve of desperation, she sprang
+up and sped into the cabin.  It was dark and empty.  She passed through
+it into the little stateroom, and with a whispered, "Papa!  Papa!" felt
+along the bunk.  It too was empty and untumbled.
+
+Oh, was she too late?
+
+Still under the mental influence that made her believe hours must have
+passed during her dreamings, she felt it must be nearing morning
+now--that it was the depth of the night, in those darkest watches when
+all evil deeds are done, and she was stiff and cold with terror.  She
+slipped out upon the deck, lying still and shadowy under its awnings,
+sped across it like a shadow herself, and so on and up to the bridge.
+
+Her father, calmly talking with one of his officers, saw the swift,
+silent rush, and the next instant heard an agonized, "O father!
+father!" as the poor child threw herself into his arms, Then, clinging
+tightly, she broke out again before he could speak.
+
+"Oh, save sister!  Be quick and save her!"
+
+"Save her?  What--where--what ails you, child?  What has happened?"
+
+"And save yourself!  Get the men together--the white men--"
+
+"My child, are you asleep?  What is the matter--where have you been?
+Why, you are shaking like a leaf!"
+
+He drew her to one side, and the officer discreetly vanished.  Hope
+begged again, "Save her, oh, save Faith!"
+
+"Faith?  Aren't you Faith?  I thought you were.  Is this my dauntless
+Hope, then?  Why, how strange!  Tell me everything."
+
+"It's those awful Lascars, papa.  I've always been afraid of them, they
+look so big and black.  They're planning to kill somebody--to kill
+you--and Faith is gone already."
+
+"Gone?  What nonsense is this?  She's in the cabin, likely.  You must
+have a nightmare, Hope!"
+
+"But isn't it most morning, papa?"
+
+"Not anywhere near it--nor midnight either.  Faith is somewhere about,
+and as for killing--absurd!  This isn't one bit like you, child.
+Haven't you been dreaming?"
+
+She told him then of her horrible awakening, and repeated the talk she
+had heard below the porthole.
+
+"Humph!" he said.  "You're mistaken in their designs, but they
+certainly had no business in that part of the ship.  I must see about
+that.  Come; I'll take you in and hunt up sister."  This was said in a
+rather loud voice, made stern by his surprise and annoyance.  In a
+moment it softened.  "There, there, don't tremble so, my child; it's
+all right, and everybody is safe enough."
+
+He led her into the cabin, quickly flooded it with electric light, and,
+summoning a boy, sent him for Mrs. Jordan, who soon appeared.  Briefly
+mentioning that his daughter had a slight chill and he would leave her
+to look after the child, he started off.  Hope was scarcely tucked up
+again when her sister came in, looking rather conscious, and blushing a
+little.
+
+"Are you ill, dear?" she cried.  "Papa said you had a nightmare and a
+chill.  He is quite upset, and a little cross."
+
+"Oh, where have you been?" returned Hope reproachfully.  "I was so
+frightened when I found you gone."
+
+"Gone?  Why, I haven't been in, yet.  You went to bed so early, Hope!
+It's only about half-past ten.  I've been walking the deck--it's a
+lovely night, as soft and warm as can be."
+
+"With Dwight?" asked Hope languidly, for in Martha Jordan's practised
+hands she was growing warm and drowsy again.
+
+"N-no, not Dwight," answered Faith hesitantly.  "I'll tell you about it
+soon.  Here comes papa."
+
+She opened the door into his cabin, and gave a cry of horrified
+surprise.  "Oh, oh! how did it happen?"
+
+"What?" shrieked Hope, all nerves again.
+
+"There!  Be quiet now," said her father, and entered quickly, carrying
+a limp little bundle of fawn and white.
+
+"Hafiz!  It's Hafiz!  What has happened? Is he dead?"
+
+"I'm afraid he is.  Your Lascars turned out to be our Mohammedans, Huri
+and his brother, two as faithful creatures as I have on board.  It
+seems Hafiz, for some reason, found himself weary of first-cabin
+passage, so made his way into the fo'castle, where a dog belonging to
+one of the men took after him, and hurt him badly.  Huri found him and
+saw he must be finished, but hated to do it, and, with his brother, was
+discussing the matter while looking for you girls.  Faith, where have
+you been this last hour or so?"
+
+The girl's eyes were flooded with tears for her lost pet, and
+involuntarily his face softened as he turned to her.  She flushed a
+little, but answered at once, "On the upper deck, sir."
+
+"Ah! that was you then?  I saw the couple promenading there.  Well,
+well, you'd better keep with your sister after this, and look after
+your own passengers," with a glance at the dead cat, "instead of mine,
+eh?  Now, now, Hope, don't cry so!" for, quite worn out by all this
+excitement, the girl was sobbing in a somewhat hysterical manner.
+
+"Yes, that's enough!" cried Martha in her hearty way.  "No use crying
+over spilled milk, nor dead pets--even when they're Persian cats.
+You'll find there are one or two more in the world, I guess.  Now just
+cuddle down there and keep still, or we'll have to give you a dose of
+something to quiet you, and it's bitter stuff to take, I can tell you.
+Perhaps, if you'll just curl in beside her, Miss Faith, she'll ease
+down sooner."
+
+The stewardess was right, for when Hope felt her twin's tender arms
+about her she soon grew quiet, and as soon as they were alone whispered
+with much interest, "But who was with you on deck, Faith?"
+
+"Well I'll tell you, and it's nothing to make such a fuss over, either.
+Do you remember that young officer we saw bidding his mother and sister
+good-by at Portsmouth--the ones that were so quiet about it?"
+
+"Oh, yes; and his sweetheart too."
+
+"No, that was his cousin, who lives with them.  I got acquainted with
+him to-night, and he is a real gentleman.  We were walking up and down,
+and he was telling me about his people, and his service in India.  He
+is to be a sort of traveling officer to take out recruits, you see.
+He's delighted with the appointment, but his father was lost in a
+monsoon on the Indian Ocean, a few years ago, and it nearly killed his
+mother to let him go--she is sort of superstitious about it.  Don't you
+remember how she fainted?"
+
+"Yes, indeed.  Poor lady!  And he is nice, is he?"
+
+"Yes and intelligent, but bashful.  He said he had often watched us,
+and can never tell us apart, but he thinks he'll be able to, after
+this."
+
+"Oh, he does?" giggled Hope.  "I'll wager I could fool him any day, if
+I tried.  Well, you gave me a nice fright while you were having such a
+good time," and thereupon she told her tale as you have just heard it,
+and so short a step is it from tragedy to comedy, especially in youth,
+that they both laughed over it until they fell asleep.
+
+Meanwhile, on deck, a watchful father saw a young man standing near the
+gunwale in idle contemplation of the horizon, and accosted him with a
+pleasant word to which the other responded with readiness, though his
+manner was somewhat diffident.  The two talked some time, the older man
+becoming more and more interested in a youth who, with a real manliness
+of character, was yet as bashful as a schoolboy.  Before the
+conversation ended Captain Hosmer was convinced there was not only "no
+harm in the fellow," but that he was a young man worth cultivating,
+and, as he finally left him, chuckled to himself.
+
+"Ah! these girls.  They require an awful sight of looking after, but
+sometimes their instincts are as good as our judgments.  Faith is a
+little woman with her mother's own purity.  How she used to worry for
+fear I should grow hard and wicked in my rough life.  Ah! my Helen,
+wherever you are, to-night, know that I am trying to keep myself
+steering straight for the Port that you have reached--and, God helping
+me, I will bring the babies safe along, too!"
+
+He bowed his head on his hands a minute, and the old steersman,
+watching him, thought, with affectionate sympathy.
+
+"The capt'n's tired to-night, and no wonder.  Wish he'd turn in and get
+a good rest for once, Never saw a man so faithful, bless him!  Glad
+he's got them nice little girls to make him brace up these
+days--sometimes I think as he's getting old too fast."
+
+The next morning the twins were late in rising only to find it a
+summer's day, apparently, so balmy indeed that the deck seemed to be
+blossoming out into a flower-bed, as group after group of ladies
+appeared in gay lawns and organdies, while all the Mohammedan helpers
+were busy stretching double awnings where there had been single ones,
+or none at all, and rigging up the punkahs in the saloons.  These odd
+fans, which England has borrowed, name and all, from her East Indian
+colonies, were, on the "International," tricolored (red, white, and
+blue) strips of cloth, stretched over light wire frames of a
+rectangular shape, which were attached to the ceiling and also, by
+means of a long rope, to a black-eyed Bengali boy who sat just outside
+the door, on deck, and kept them waving by a slow, constant jerk and
+pull, which was so regular that Faith declared the boy slept half the
+time, and possibly she was right.  The ocean lay peacefully about them,
+its color almost an indigo, so deeply blue was it in the shadow of the
+vessel, but out a little way silvered by the vertical sun, which shone
+with a blinding splendor that made colored eye-glasses a relief to the
+dazzled vision.
+
+It is in such weather that mischief breeds on shipboard, and gossip is
+rife.  The idle passengers, by this time mostly on speaking terms,
+begin to let the common metal of their real make-up show through the
+nickel-plating of the first interchange of courtesies.
+
+There was a group whom our special friends had not yet mingled with
+quite freely, though always meeting them in pleasant fashion, but as
+everybody clustered sociably on the forward deck, this morning, anxious
+to catch the ship's own breeze, if no other, they might naturally
+become better acquainted.  Of these only a few affect our little
+history, therefore need description; first, a mother and two daughters
+going out to the husband and father in India.  Mrs. Windemere was a
+little woman with an habitually scared expression and retiring manner,
+but her daughters, both well towards thirty, must have taken after the
+father, for they were domineering with her and self-assertive
+everywhere.  They claimed relationship with some person who bore a
+title, and were given to talking a good deal about their aristocratic
+relatives, and they dressed conspicuously, demanded constant attention
+from any gentlemen present, and were full of news and rumors.
+
+With them was a young woman of like age, whom they familiarly called
+Zaidee, who had spent much time in India, and had caught its languor,
+possibly.  She was more agreeable in manner and pretended indifference
+to all that the "girls," as she called them, were interested in;
+dressed quietly, but in excellent taste, and talked in her dreamy,
+drawling voice in a way that seemed to interest all who listened,
+especially the gentlemen, who were usually grouped around her chair
+whenever she appeared on deck.  There were plenty of these, from Indian
+officials of rank to subalterns and young gentlemen of fortune, either
+with or without tutors, but who seemed much more interested in
+flirtations than scenery.
+
+English girls do not, as a rule, assume the airs of womanhood so early
+as do many American maidens--to their credit be it said--and neither
+Hope nor Faith had ever thought of considering themselves young ladies.
+Though nearing eighteen their gowns were still of ankle length and
+their hair in simple braids, while, as we have seen, they enjoyed
+frolicking with Dwight as if not a day older.  Elizabeth Vanderhoff,
+too, though two years older, was still a girl at heart, and had not yet
+discovered that no company was complete without its young men.
+
+The officer who had been walking with Faith, last night, was also a
+boyish fellow, fair and fresh of face and had been more attracted to
+our girls and their frolics than to the older young ladies, with more
+social airs and graces.  Though Faith had felt somewhat confused, last
+night, at her father's raillery, her meeting and talk with the modest
+young fellow was innocent enough, in intention, had there been no one
+to misconstrue it, but in a carping world we must learn to avoid even
+the appearance of evil.
+
+It happened that the little disturbance caused by Hope's bad dreams had
+not been quite unnoted, and was to bring rather disagreeable
+consequences, as we shall see.  But, this morning, there was no hint of
+trouble in the air and, gathered under the deck awnings, the passengers
+presented a scene pretty and peaceful enough.
+
+Faith, industriously inclined, was at work on a piece of embroidery,
+Hope had the piratical book in her hand, but was leaning idly back,
+watching Mrs. Vanderhoff, who was playing with one of the little tots,
+and visiting in desultory fashion with Bess, who was trying a new
+stitch in crochet and interposed a count, or two, between syllables.
+The Windemere family, all with their work, except Mrs. Campbell, who
+never seemed to have anything to do, were at a little distance--the two
+young ladies talking to the distinguished traveler previously
+mentioned, who seemed a trifle bored, and Mrs. Campbell being talked to
+by a couple of government attachés, whose boyish laughter rang out
+frequently.
+
+Presently, the officer of Faith's acquaintance, whose name was
+Carnegie, came towards the former group and bashfully bade her a
+good-morning which she brightly returned, hastening to present him to
+her sister and friends.  Soon they were all in animated chat, and the
+young attachés in Mrs. Campbell's vicinity began to look that way with
+somewhat longing glances.
+
+At length one of them, with some light excuse, sauntered away from her
+side, made a slow tour of the deck, and finally drew near our three
+girls; saying in passing.
+
+"I've been looking for you, Carnegie."
+
+The other, not having noticed the by-play, turned with a smile, and
+replied,
+
+"Have you?  I've been down among my men most of the morning.  One of
+the poor fellows is ill.  Not seasick, you understand, but a fever, I'm
+afraid."  Then as the schemer came to a stop he said bashfully, "May I
+present Mr. Donelson, ladies?" and introductions followed.
+
+Naturally Mr. Donelson was pleased at his success, and flung a laughing
+glance of triumph back at his comrade, who still sat at the lady's
+feet, though he, too, was beginning to fidget and look about for a way
+of escape.  Mrs. Campbell had seen all with eyes that seemed to notice
+nothing, and was indignant enough, for she was inordinately vain, and
+desired attention even from boys, if no other was forthcoming.  To have
+any one preferred before her was gall to her foolish pride.  Besides
+the traveler, whom she was inclined to make a hero of, had seen, too,
+and though pretending still to talk to the Misses Laura and Janet
+Windemere, his eyes were twinkling with appreciation.
+
+Mrs. Campbell was not a malicious woman, unless thwarted in her own
+plans; then she could be absolutely pitiless, and cared for neither
+truth nor justice in carrying out her spiteful revenges.  Ridicule was
+something she could not endure, and to feel herself slighted made a
+fury of her.  Yet her outward self-control was perfect.  Now, with a
+dreamy look in her large blue-gray orbs, she gazed out to seaward, and
+remarked as if in a ruminant mood,
+
+"I think, take them all together, we have a rather stupid set of
+passengers, this trip, don't you, Mr. Allyne?"
+
+"I don't know," returned the attaché, "are they?  Fact is, I haven't
+made much headway with the ladies yet, but the men are jolly enough in
+the smoking-room--without being too jolly, you understand."
+
+"Oh, of course; they are mostly gentlemen, I presume.  Indeed I've
+scarcely noticed them, myself"--"Ah!  Mrs. Campbell!"--"with a few
+exceptions of course," giving him an effective glance.  "But the girls
+are not much to boast of.  That Miss Vanderhoff is positively homely."
+
+"Do you think so?  I know she has no special beauty to attract one, but
+she looks bright and good-tempered, I'm sure, and I like her voice,
+don't you?"
+
+"Not too well.  Those American voices are not to my taste.  They
+threaten my ear-drums."
+
+"Do you call hers sharp, though, Mrs. Campbell?  It's clear, I know,
+and decided, but----"
+
+She waved the subject aside, as if it were not worth discussing longer,
+and asked,
+
+"What do you think of the twinnies?"
+
+Her tone, though laughingly contemptuous, was gentleness itself, and
+young Allyne looked up, rather puzzled.
+
+"Why, they seem nice, sweet girls; don't you think so?"
+
+"One can't always tell by looks," was the ambiguous reply, and then she
+began to laugh, as if in great amusement over some recollection.
+
+Meanwhile the Windemere girls and the traveler had turned and were
+listening, as Mrs. Campbell meant they should.
+
+"What pleases you, Zaidee?" asked Laura, the older, settling her
+eyeglasses anew, the better to gaze at her friend.
+
+"Oh, an amusing incident that occurred last night.  I happened to see a
+part, and easily drew the rest out of Mr. Frazer by adroit questioning,
+for, I assure you, it made me curious."
+
+Mr. Frazer was the purser, and the one who had stood talking with
+Captain Hosmer when Hope ran out to him, the night before.
+
+"What is it?" asked both girls in a breath, and the traveler added,
+with a laugh,
+
+"Yes, indeed, if any one knows anything funny on shipboard it is a
+bounden duty to tell it."
+
+"Well, I hardly know whether you could call this funny, or
+tragic--perhaps serio-comic is the word," returned Mrs. Campbell in her
+smooth little drawl, with its expression of amused indifference, which
+always stimulated the interest of the listener.  "It was exciting,
+anyhow.  Somewhere well along towards midnight, last evening, a certain
+young lady--a mere girl indeed--was promenading the deck with a strange
+young man, when her sister, probably knowing the girl's propensities,
+rose from her bed, rushed out to her father, who was at his post,"--she
+cast an eye upward towards the bridge--"and begged of him to 'save
+sister,' upon which, rather sternly, he marched her back to her cabin
+and, hunting up the other one, took her from her escort and led her
+inside also, where I imagine there was a scene.  At any rate the
+stewardess was busy in there for some time, and when I asked what had
+happened, she said, 'Only hysterics, ma'am; they're common enough.'
+But as I happened to know where she was, and what had just happened, I
+did not treat the matter so lightly.  Of course it was an exaggeration
+of the other girl, but it showed that some people who seem very
+innocent will bear looking after.  Too bad that pretty girls must spoil
+everything by being vain and--well, careless!  But the two I mention
+are very unconventional."
+
+The Windemeres, mother and daughters, listened with groans of horror,
+the attaché with a troubled look, and the traveler with a gravity that
+was almost stern.  Quite unnoted by the absorbed group, another also
+heard, for Lady Moreham, seemingly absorbed in a book and hidden by
+some projection of the deck, had dropped the volume and was scowling
+savagely.  She was not taken with these young women, for at first they
+had distinctly snubbed her, and later, having learned her title, had so
+suddenly changed to fawning and flattery that she was thoroughly
+disgusted.
+
+After an instant the traveler spoke abruptly,
+
+"Do you say you heard and saw this _yourself_, Mrs. Campbell?"
+
+"A part of it--yes, sir."  How small a part she did not mention.  "The
+rest was made comprehensible by Mr. Frazer's explanation."
+
+"I cannot believe that one of the ship's officers would speak ill of
+the captain's daughters, madam--and that you refer to them we all
+understand."
+
+"Speak ill?  Oh, he did not--and who has, indeed?  Ill?  What can you
+mean?  I merely mentioned it as a funny, melodramatic sort of
+performance, just like a foolish little girl.  Of course there was
+nothing really out of the way, only a bit of imprudence--and without a
+mother, or chaperone, what can one expect?"
+
+"You speak of what I was about to mention; they have no mother.  That
+is enough to make any older woman feel it her motherly duty to guard
+and counsel them, I'm sure," was the calm reply.  "We all must agree on
+that."
+
+"Yes, indeed!" ventured Mrs. Windemere in her small voice.  "Poor young
+things."
+
+"I don't think they seem to need your pity, mother!" cried Janet
+sharply, looking across at the merry group, in which were the Hosmer
+sisters.  "Not in that way, at any rate."
+
+"And," added Mrs. Campbell with an exaggerated drawl, "we who are not
+of an age to look upon them in a motherly light may not appreciate all
+those feelings.  They amuse me, to be sure, but I had scarcely thought
+of adopting them."
+
+"Nor their father, either?" put in the attaché clumsily, hoping to
+raise a laugh and dispel the thunder in the air.  But he only drew the
+lightning upon himself.  She gave him one look that silenced him, and,
+lifting the fan in her lap, said languidly,
+
+"How very warm it is!  Strange how little the most of us understand the
+necessity of fitting our conversation to the weather, if we would be
+agreeable.  Discussions and personalities, if ever allowable, are only
+suited to a zero temperature.  Have you noticed the flying-fish, this
+morning?  How delightful it must be to plunge into that cool water
+to-day!  I wonder if they fly out into the heat just for the fun of
+cooling off afterwards?"
+
+"Quite a suggestion, Mrs. Campbell!" laughed the traveler.  "I believe
+I'll try it," and, bowing lightly, with a flash of the eyes that met
+her own in quick defiance, he turned away.
+
+As he passed around the bulkhead screening Lady Moreham, she rose and
+said in a low voice,
+
+"I want to thank you!  Many a life has been ruined by base
+insinuations.  A vain woman's tongue is a merciless weapon.  I like the
+little sisters, and believe them pure-hearted children.  It was wicked!"
+
+He bowed.
+
+"I agree with you, my lady.  But you see they are monopolizing the
+attention to-day, which is a social crime!" and, with a sarcastic
+smile, he passed on.
+
+Meanwhile, undreaming of this "capful of wind" that might become a
+tornado, our girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves in a lively, wholly
+unsentimental way, pleased with the company and their own happy youth;
+and not suspecting that in this same soft, silky atmosphere which
+breeds both the exquisite Paradise-bird and the deadly cobra, might be
+found, not only friendliness, but also that "envy, malice, and
+uncharitableness" which the honest-hearted are least able to guard
+against, in their utter lack of comprehension.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+A GAME OF GROMETS.
+
+"Who wants to pitch gromets?" cried Dwight.  (He pronounced it as if
+spelled "gruments," as most sea-going men do spell it, we believe, but
+let us follow the dictionary!)  "Mr. Malcolm's offered a prize for the
+one that lands it square in the bucket the most times, and Uncle Dwight
+says he'll give a consolation prize to the poor wretch who doesn't hit
+it once."
+
+"What's gromets?" asked young Donelson, springing up.
+
+"Oh, don't you know?" said Hope.  "Father used to play it with us when
+we were little--you know what the gromets themselves are, don't you?"
+
+"Haven't an idea?"
+
+"Why, rope rings--Dwight, Dwight!  Isn't that one sticking out of your
+pocket?  See how firm and neat it is!"
+
+"Well, it's just pitching those into a bucket, set a long way off.  If
+you can make it go into the bucket plump, it counts you 10; lodging
+anywhere on the edge or bail is 2, and inside the chalk ring drawn
+around the bucket is 1--at least, that's our game."
+
+"And outside?"
+
+"Of the ring?  Oh, nothing at all; and five throws outside will put out
+till next innings.  Each side has a certain number of trials, you see."
+
+"Why, that's something like quoits."
+
+"Well, so it is--sea quoits."
+
+"That's easy, I'm sure."
+
+"Oh is it?  Wait till you try it!"
+
+"You, see there's a special twist"--began Faith, but her sister stopped
+her.
+
+"No, no, don't tell.  Let him try it first; it's easy, you know!" and,
+laughing mischievously, she ran after Dwight.
+
+Pretty soon two tawny boys appeared, one with an ordinary fire-bucket,
+such as are seen hung everywhere on shipboard, and the other with a
+cluster of rope rings hung on one arm.  Behind them came Hope, with Mr.
+Malcolm and Dwight in tow, the former carrying a small blackboard; all
+in great good-humor over something.
+
+"I am requested to announce," called out the steward in a high
+"lecture-hall voice," as Dwight named it, "that all those present who
+wish to pitch gromets are invited to join the game.  Each side will
+select a captain; Huri and Tegeloo, here, will pick up the rings that
+go astray; I will chalk up the tally on this blackboard, and after the
+game is over the persons showing the biggest and smallest scores shall
+be given prizes by the captains of the winning and losing teams.  Speak
+up for your captains, please!"
+
+"Why not have the twin sisters?" called out Mr. Lawrence, and at the
+same instant a voice proposed, "Mrs. Campbell for one!"
+
+But this suggestion was drowned in a shout of applause.
+
+"Yes, yes, let it be the twins--the captain's daughters!" and so it was
+decided.
+
+Blushing and beautiful, the girls stood up opposite each other, and
+began calling up their teams.
+
+"Mrs. Vanderhoff," cried Hope.
+
+"Lady Moreham," said Faith.
+
+"Mrs. Poinsett."
+
+"Mrs. Windemere."
+
+"Miss Vanderhoff.
+
+"Miss Windemere."
+
+"Oh but see--see here!" laughingly protested Mr. Lawrence.  "Is this
+fair play to us men?  I want to join this game somehow, if--"
+
+"Mr. Lawrence!" shouted Hope archly, showing her pretty teeth and
+dimples.
+
+"Mr. Traveler!" quickly added Faith, only of course she gave the man's
+own distinguished name.
+
+And so they proceeded, while, quite without intention but with no less
+offense, Mrs. Campbell and the young attaché were not called until the
+very last.
+
+He sprang up eagerly enough, but she barely glanced around.
+
+"Thanks," she drawled, "but it is too warm to play; don't you think so,
+Mr. Allyne?"
+
+Now, the young fellow did not think so, by any means, but he felt it
+would be rude to leave the lady alone, and besides he would make an odd
+one on Faith's side.  So he sank back into his chair again with a
+reluctant, "Much obliged, but I'll look on a while," and the game
+proceeded without them.
+
+It was rather warm work, but luckily a breeze had arisen which somewhat
+cooled their flushed cheeks.  Presently the captain strolled along and
+stood near, to watch the players, laughing silently as he noted the
+awkward work they made of it.
+
+"Why don't you join us, Captain?" cried Mrs. Vanderhoff.  "Come, Hope,
+call up your father," but Faith returned quickly,
+
+"No, indeed!  Papa can bucket it every time.  It wouldn't be fair to
+our side at all."
+
+"No, Captain," called Mr. Lawrence, who could not get the twist of the
+wrist that makes the square toss, and was in convulsions over his own
+awkwardness, "don't you come and show us up to ignominy by contrast.
+Your daughters are proficient enough to prove what their teacher may
+be, and I hate to be so outdone."
+
+"I'm catching on, though, uncle Dwight--don't you see?" cried his
+nephew, and amid a shout of laughter Mr. Malcolm released the boy's
+gromet from the bucket-bail, remarking, "Catching on's the word, sir!"
+as he marked up a large 2 opposite the lad's name.
+
+It was funny to watch the different ones, and Huri's eyes danced with
+enjoyment as he ran after the wilder tosses with swift feet.  Timid
+Mrs. Windemere would advance to position, look all about in dazed
+fashion, gather her skirts closely as if about to breast a hurricane,
+then with a long breath would shut her eyes tightly, and surge
+forward--when the gromet would either drop ignobly at her feet, or go
+madly flying off to right or left, perhaps hitting poor little Tegeloo
+on the nose.  Mr. Donelson assumed an airy indifference and a careless
+toss, and lo! the contrary thing went whirling between his feet, aft.
+Lady Moreham actually burst into laughter as, after careful aim in a
+judicial manner Mrs. Poinsett set hers spinning--and knocked Captain
+Hosmer's cap off, while all were convulsed as she, herself, after slow
+and accurate aiming, sent the ring square against poor Texas, chained
+to his perch, knocking him down and causing his hoarse and naughty
+comment, "You old fool!" in quick return.
+
+So it went merrily on, the girls, Dwight, and the traveler making
+several half-scores, and the rest occasionally tallying.  Mrs.
+Windemere had never succeeded in getting even the direction, when,
+after several throws, she took her position once more, protesting it
+was of no use, she did her side more harm than good.
+
+"And remember, if you fail this time you'll be put out!" shouted Laura,
+somewhat cruelly.
+
+The little lady looked distressed, but Faith leaned over and whispered
+quickly,
+
+"Did you ever make tatting, Mrs. Windemere?"
+
+"Why, yes, of course I have," surprisedly, wondering what tatting could
+have to do with the present game.
+
+"Make believe you're throwing your shuttle and then let the gromet fly.
+Be quick and firm!" she added, pretending to fix a loose pin at the
+lady's throat.  "Remember!"
+
+Mrs. Windemere turned towards the goal with a helpless air, but obeyed,
+and heard a sort of gasp, then a shout that rent the air.  She opened
+her eyes and looked around dazedly.  Her gromet was in the bucket, and
+amid the wild cheering Mr. Malcolm was chalking up a 10 nearly a foot
+long.  This gave the score to Faith's side and Mrs. Windemere was
+declared the prize winner.
+
+Mr. Allyne could not resist the excitement and hurried up with his
+congratulations, while even Mrs. Campbell smiled and grew better
+natured as she, too, came forward and with graceful tact, of which she
+was a mistress, caught a ribbon from her waist, wound it about one of
+the gromets, and setting it lightly upon the victor's head led her to a
+chair.
+
+"Behold our queen!" she shouted merrily, and all joined in the huzzas
+that followed, while little Mrs. Windemere, who had never received so
+much notice in her whole life, actually had to wipe the springing tears
+from her eyes.
+
+Then Mr. Malcolm appeared with the prize, and what do you suppose it
+was?  A lively young porker, nestled down in a lidded basket streaming
+with gay ribbons!
+
+Amid shouts of laughter Faith gravely presented the prize, always
+referring to it delicately as "our hampered friend," in supposed
+reference to the basket, or perhaps, as Mr. Lawrence slyly remarked,
+"to the other quarters of the beast."  She solemnly informed the winner
+that from time immemorial live prisoners had been considered specially
+acceptable gifts along the Mediterranean shores, and suggested that, if
+she should not know what to do with hers, she might be magnanimous,
+make a feast, and call her neighbors in, at which there was great
+cheering and clapping.
+
+"Dear me!" said Mrs. Windemere, taking the piggy-wiggy, who really
+behaved quite well, only squealing occasionally by way of emphasis, "I
+never made a speech in my life, but I'm ever so much obliged, and I
+should be delighted to give you all a feast of roast pig, if our
+captain will furnish the cook and the extras."
+
+"The ship, with all its men and stores, is at your disposal, madam,"
+said Captain Hosmer, doffing his cap with a low bow.
+
+"Then," cried the little lady, rising to the occasion, and looking
+really pretty with her pink cheeks and brightening eyes, "I invite you
+all, victors and vanquished, players and non-combatants, to dine on
+roast pig with Captain Hosmer and myself, to-night at seven o'clock."
+
+"We accept!" came in a tremendous shout from deck-house to bow.
+
+"And may Heaven have mercy on our digestions!" added Mrs. Campbell,
+rolling up her eyes in horror.  "Roast pig in this weather!"
+
+But Laura turned to her younger sister with enthusiasm.
+
+"Do look at ma!  Did you ever see her so bright and jolly?  She looks
+downright pretty.  She can hold her own better than I thought she
+could."
+
+"You are seeing her under altogether new conditions, you know," said
+Mrs. Campbell sweetly, as she stepped off with light tread and
+non-committal face towards a merrily-laughing group, further on.
+
+"Now, what did she mean by that?" asked Janet in a puzzled tone.  "I do
+wish Zaidee wouldn't be so mysterious!"
+
+"Mysterious?" snapped Laura, who was quicker than her sister.  "Why not
+wish she needn't be so hateful?"
+
+Yet she followed the woman, who could always lead in spite of her
+peculiar disposition, because of innate charm and tact.
+
+They found the merriment to be over the fact that Mr. Lawrence had the
+smallest score, and must accept his own prize, already in the hands of
+Mr. Malcolm.
+
+"Oh, that's too bad!" he cried, weary from his exertions and merriment.
+"Why rub it in so hard?  Is it not enough to be beaten by these
+youngsters--must I also be made the laughing-stock of passengers and
+crew?  Ah! 'tis indeed a cruelty to load a falling man!"
+
+"Well, uncle, if you're going to quote Wolsey, keep on," laughed his
+niece mischievously.  "'I charge thee fling away ambition!'  You see
+you have soared too high, my lord."
+
+"_Et tu Brute_?"  He turned upon her quickly.  "Well, well, 'complete
+my shame.'  Where is the prize orator, anyhow?"
+
+"Here, here!" called Hope, coming rapidly forward from a conference
+with Mr. Malcolm; and amidst a sudden hush she said in a gentle,
+serious tone, as if reluctantly discharging an imperative duty,
+
+"The prize we have to offer you needs no explanation.  As it is
+familiar to you I will only say it appropriately illustrates one word
+you have amply understood to-day, and that word is--_whipped_!"
+
+She held aloft one of those clock-work toys one may pick up in Germany,
+or Switzerland--a severe dame in a flapping cap, with a youngster
+across her knee whom she vigorously belabors with a neat little bundle
+of switches.  Mr. Lawrence took it with meek 'Thank you,' and amidst
+the laughter, explained,
+
+"I bought the thing as an object-lesson for a friend at home who, does
+not believe in corporal punishment for her spoiled child, and to-day
+thought I would divert it to the purpose of a consolation prize for
+some of you fellows who couldn't pitch gromets.  Like most people who
+dig a pit for others I have fallen into it myself!  And now--may I give
+this to one of the babies?  I never want to see it again."
+
+"I think you may," laughed Hope, and a little curly-pate close by was
+made happy with the toy, which seemed destined to manifold uses.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+MRS. WINDEMERE'S DINNER.
+
+"Well, it is almost time for the Lamb dinner," remarked Mr. Lawrence,
+late that afternoon, to the group about him under the awning of the
+after-deck, from which they were watching the sunset, some lounging in
+the easy steamer-chairs, others in the hammocks which had been
+stretched in every available space, and still others, among whom was
+Dwight, resting full length on the large Persian rug, which had been
+laid in the center of the deck planks.  For the heat, and still, easy
+motion made every one lazy.
+
+Upon hearing this remark the boy looked up.
+
+"Lamb dinner?  I thought it was pig this morning.  It hasn't changed
+into sheep, I hope?"
+
+"And must I really explain my observation to a lad about entering the
+High School?" cried his uncle reproachfully.  "I'll warrant Bess
+knows--and somebody else, too!" catching the gleam in Hope's eye.
+
+"Oh, yes, I understand, in a way," returned Bess.  "Let's see, Charles
+Lamb, the writer, was very fond of roast pig, wasn't he?"
+
+"Was he, Miss Hope?"
+
+"Yes, sir, and wrote an essay upon it which has become a classic."
+
+"Oh, of course!  I'd almost forgotten that," put in Bess, hastily.
+
+"And I'm free to confess I never knew it," added her brother.  "Fact
+is, I begin to think I didn't learn much in school, anyhow--that is,
+much that I've needed since.  I've picked up more about geography and
+history on this trip than all I ever learned there."
+
+"No, no, not quite that, my boy!  You simply have digested what then
+you only swallowed.  Don't you know what Channing says--'It is not
+enough to cram ourselves with a great load of collections--we must chew
+them over again'?  The fact is, nothing can ever be quite learned until
+it is experienced.  I may be taught from a book that water expands in
+freezing, but I cannot realize that fact till I, sometime, leave water
+in a pitcher and find it broken next morning.  Then I know, in a way
+never to be forgotten, about this scientific truth.  So it is in
+geography; we have always taken in certain facts regarding the relative
+positions of land and water, mountain and plain, but if we had
+attempted to go anywhere, with absolutely no guide but memory, nine out
+of ten of us would be lost on the first stage of the journey.  You are
+now simply assimilating what you learned at school, and making the
+facts, which you took on trust then, part and parcel of your actual
+experience now.  It seems to me one of the best ways to study geography
+at home is to travel on paper.  That comes nearest the real thing.  Map
+out a route, buy your tickets (in imagination), take your conveyance,
+and on the way see everything possible to be gleaned from those eyes
+which have gone before, and left a record of their impressions.  Try
+and think if you would see in the same way, and what else might be
+observed by quick eyes, natural to occur in that part of the globe.  If
+one has imagination he may almost believe, in time, that he has really
+visited the places so studied.
+
+"I knew a young fellow, once, who lived in an insignificant town in
+Vermont, and had never been fifty miles from home, yet who kept up such
+journeys for years, and many a time, in talking with him, I, the real
+traveler, would learn facts about certain localities where I had been,
+from him who never set foot near them.  Just to prove him, once, I
+said, 'Are you acquainted with Salt Lake City?'  'Pretty well,' he
+answered modestly.  Having spent a summer or two there, myself, I
+thought I would try and trip him up, so said, carelessly, 'When I stood
+in front of Brigham Young's Square and looked at that great town on my
+left'--but there he interrupted me, quick as a flash, 'You mean looked
+down upon the town at your right, don't you?  Brigham's Square is on
+what is called the North Bench, and standing before it you must
+overlook the larger part of the city lying upon your right.'  Of course
+this was correct, and I had to acknowledge that he really knew as much
+about many localities as I, who had visited them.  But he was unusual."
+
+"Well," said Dwight slowly, "what I have to complain of about travelers
+is that they don't tell the little things--the details, you know.  I
+suppose it seems silly to them to say whether they went on board a
+steamer in a boat, or across a gangway, or up a flight of steps, or to
+describe just how a car looks when they travel by rail, but I used to
+wish they would.  And when I write my book of travels I'm going to!"
+
+"I would," said his sister encouragingly.
+
+"Well, you wait!  But say, uncle, there are some books in your library
+at home that you used to have when you were a boy, I reckon, for the
+pictures look about a century old, but I used to like to read them ever
+so much, and since I came abroad I've been finding out how well they
+describe the things that happen to a traveler even to-day.  For
+instance, when you and I went from Cadiz to Ronda by diligence."
+
+"Oh, you mean the Rollo books--Rollo's Tour in Europe?" laughed Mr.
+Lawrence.  "How I did pore over those when I was a little boy!  Yes,
+they do go into details, that's a fact.  Somebody's advice to Rollo
+always to follow the crowd when bewildered at some great railway
+terminus often occurs to me, still, and is acted upon with perfect
+success."
+
+"But don't you think travelers who write for publication sometimes draw
+the long bow a bit?" asked Lieutenant Carnegie in his diffident way.
+
+"Oh, never!" cried a voice from the guardrail, and the Traveler held up
+a beseeching hand as he came forward.  "Don't take away our reputation
+for veracity, I pray you!  With the public's confidence lost to us what
+could we do?  We are all truthful--even to Du Chaillu and Gulliver."
+
+Every one laughed, and the young man, blushing a little, returned,
+
+"Well, I was thinking especially of one or two I've read, lately.  For
+instance, thirty miles a day is quite a tramp for an ordinary man on
+good level roads, without luggage; and when a traveler tells me he
+makes sixty over hills, or marshes, weighted down with camp supplies,
+who wasn't brought up a soldier, either, why, I just begin to compare
+it with my own experiences and say--"
+
+"Here _lies_ a great man, don't you?" put in Dwight.
+
+"Well, yes, that's about it."
+
+"Oh, but you must remember that often he can only judge of the distance
+made by his feelings," laughed the Traveler.  "It seems sixty miles,
+anyhow."
+
+"I don't doubt that," cried Carnegie, showing handsome teeth in a
+smile.  "I thought there must be some way of getting around it.  But if
+he had said thirty-five miles I'd have believed him, and thought him a
+mighty good tramper into the bargain."
+
+"Yet many who have never tramped under knapsack, blankets, and
+tent-cloth would say, 'That's nothing!' and our poor voyager, who
+really had made a record, would be consigned to oblivion.  In all art,
+even that of writing facts, one must exaggerate a little in order to
+make the effect life-size--so to say."
+
+"That's true enough," said Mrs. Vanderhoff.  "It is so easy to sit
+still and pass judgment upon those who exert themselves.  When I hear a
+person criticising a painting, a story, a building, a song who could
+not draw a straight line, write a sentence correctly, build a cob-house
+on just proportions, nor keep the key through 'Yankee Doodle,' I long
+to insist upon his making a practical trial in such things before
+daring to make a criticism.  Yet it is a fact that artistic people of
+every grade and type have to writhe under the criticisms of
+ignoramuses, who could not accomplish the piece of work they scathingly
+denounce if their lives depended upon it.  I pick up a book and fling
+it aside with the comment, 'It's not worth reading!' or I look over a
+great vessel like this and say, 'How clumsily built!' but what if I
+were doomed to write a similar book, to plan a great steamer--just
+think of the results!  I would never criticise again."
+
+"It would be a pretty good scheme," laughed Mr. Lawrence.  "Make these
+bilious critics prove their right to the title by doing the work.  I
+could really enjoy their agonies on occasion."
+
+"But would you have no criticisms, then?" asked Mrs. Campbell.  "Would
+not that mean stagnation in effort?  There must be something to spur
+one on to better work, mustn't there?"
+
+"I doubt if unintelligent criticism often does prove an incentive,"
+said the Traveler.  "'Let me be judged by my peers' is a universal
+sentiment with the conscientious in any employment."
+
+"Yes, Rachel," put in Mr. Lawrence, smiling at his sister, "if Captain
+Hosmer should criticise the ship we would build we might endure it, but
+if--well, Mr. Donelson, for instance, ventured to elevate his nose we
+would naturally think he knew nothing about it, and would not even try
+to please him."
+
+"How _could_ he elevate his nose?" asked Mrs. Campbell innocently, in a
+whisper that sent the Windemere girls off into giggles, for Mr.
+Donelson's nose was not only long but slightly hooked, besides.
+Evidently Mrs. Campbell had not quite forgiven the attaché for his
+desertion of the morning.
+
+"But if I'm not mistaken we're all competent to judge of a good dinner,
+if we couldn't cook one," laughed the young man in return, not having
+caught her comment, and he pointed to Tegeloo who, smiling and
+important, was bowing before Mrs. Windemere.
+
+"Dinner is served to madam!" he announced with a flourish and an odd
+accent, while, at the same instant, Captain Hosmer gallantly offered
+his arm.
+
+"May I have the pleasure?  Our dinner is waiting, I believe, Mrs.
+Windemere," and amid much merriment and excitement, the other gentlemen
+quickly sought partners and followed.
+
+By a previous understanding with Mr. Malcolm, Mrs. Windemere and party
+were offered the places of the four young people at the captain's
+table, and they "went down a peg," as Dwight put it, to another,
+entirely filled with the younger portion of the guests.  If there was a
+little more learning and elegance, perhaps, at the former, there was a
+vast amount of fun and nonsense at the latter.  Every one in the saloon
+was supplied with at least one thin slice from the prize pig which,
+roasted whole and holding an ear of corn in its teeth, was gaily
+decorated with the flags of England and the United States.  It was held
+high for inspection before the carving began, and many a joke ran
+around, from table to table, upon the fine appearance of his porcine
+majesty.
+
+At some of the tables wine flowed freely, and a few of the young men
+soon ordered it at the one where our girls were seated.  It is more
+commonly used at meals abroad than with middle-class Americans at home,
+and nearly all partook.  Neither Bess nor Dwight, however, would take
+it and, seeing this, Faith and Hope, caring little about it, also
+declined, though they had never been taught conscientious scruples
+regarding its use.  No special comment was made upon this, but when
+Chester Carnegie also turned down his glass the young attachés began a
+running fire of jests at his expense; Mr. Allyne especially, who soon
+showed the influence of his champagne, leading off with some sharply
+personal remarks.
+
+The lieutenant said as little as possible in return, but occasionally a
+witty reply would turn the laugh against his opponent, who grew
+disagreeable and really quarrelsome, as the wine affected him more and
+more.
+
+Seeing this, Carnegie attempted to ignore the whole matter, and turning
+to Faith, who sat next him, began talking in a lowered tone, hoping
+Allyne would understand that he was now going too far and so drop the
+subject.
+
+But a man in liquor is an irresponsible being, and Allyne, under the
+polish of education and training, possessed the nature of a bully--he
+was tyrannical and contentious.  Choosing now to assume that Carnegie's
+partial turning away and low-voiced conversation were intended to
+insult him, he straightened up, and looking fiercely across the table,
+with eyes already watery from the heady fumes of the strong wine,
+tapped sharply with his glass and said in too loud a tone for the
+place, "Carnegie, I was talking to you."
+
+The lieutenant turned his head a trifle, and bowed coolly.
+
+"Excuse me till later, please; I am engaged with Miss Hosmer at
+present."
+
+The other laughed out in a disagreeable manner.  While alone with Mrs.
+Campbell, that afternoon, he had easily extracted the name of the young
+man with whom one of the twins (neither knew which one) had been
+promenading the deck, the evening before, and now, mingled with his
+rising wrath towards him, was the confused memory of the woman's subtle
+insinuations.
+
+When sober, Mr. Allyne was usually a gentleman, but in his cups he
+became little short of a ruffian in manner.  He laughed significantly.
+
+"Engaged with, or to?" he asked with insolence.  "It had better be to
+from reports, I should say!"
+
+Instantly the lieutenant, pale as death, was on his feet, while Faith,
+gasping a little, leaned back in her chair, as white and almost
+fainting.  Hope and Dwight, round-eyed and not half comprehending,
+stared amazedly, while Donelson, realizing that his companion was quite
+beside himself, also sprang up and laying a firm hand on Allyne's arm,
+turned beseechingly.
+
+"Don't, Carnegie--for heaven's sake don't make a scene!  I'll get him
+away.  He'll be in the dust for this, to-morrow.  Come, Tom, you must
+go with me instantly."
+
+They were attracting attention.  Captain Hosmer's eyes were fixed
+sternly upon them, for though he had not heard a word he could see that
+something was wrong, and Faith's white face startled him.  He felt
+there was some disturbance which frightened her, but perhaps
+fortunately, never dreamed she could be at all concerned in the matter.
+The Traveler, however, who held the key to the situation, and had
+caught a sentence or two, on his part, looked sternly at Mrs. Campbell
+who, suave and unruffled, was monopolizing Mr. Lawrence and evidently
+amusing him, too.
+
+There might have been worse trouble but for young Carnegie's
+moderation.  The instant Donelson's plea was made he realized that for
+Faith's sake, if not Allyne's, he must be cautious, so said only, "I
+leave him to you now, Mr. Donelson," and seated himself, while the
+attaché, partly by force and partly by coaxing, succeeded in dragging
+the foolish fellow from the room without further display.
+
+"What was the matter with that young sprout of an attaché?" asked the
+captain later in the evening, as he and his daughters met for a quiet
+little visit in the library.  "Too much champagne?"
+
+Hope looked quickly at her sister, whose face was turned away, and as
+she did not respond, answered lightly, "I believe so.  He was
+quarrelsome, and Mr. Donelson wanted to get him away before he--before
+he made trouble."
+
+"H'm!  With whom was he quarreling?"
+
+Faith, back in the shadow, was still unresponsive, and Hope thinking
+she ought to be the one to answer, let some indignation creep into her
+own voice as she said,
+
+"Oh, that Mr. Carnegie."
+
+"What, Carnegie?  I had taken him for a decent, modest sort of fellow.
+But any one who will get into a drunken brawl before ladies--"
+
+Faith turned quickly.  She was quite white.
+
+"Father, Mr. Carnegie had not been drinking.  He did not touch the wine
+and--and I'm the only one to blame."  She burst into tears and, hiding
+her face in both hands, started to run into her own stateroom, but her
+father caught her and, with a tender arm about her waist, drew her down
+upon his knee.
+
+"I don't understand you, daughter," he said in a voice of yearning
+tenderness, for whenever his children were in trouble, it always seemed
+to him that his fair young wife stood at his elbow inciting him to
+gentleness.  "I don't understand, but I must.  Why should two heady
+young fools quarrel over my little girl?  She is no coquette, I'm sure."
+
+"Papa," put in Hope, for her sister was sobbing helplessly upon his
+shoulder, "Faith is not to blame, and I don't half understand it,
+myself, but I'll tell you just what happened--" and she did, much as it
+has been repeated here.
+
+Her father listened with a darkening face.
+
+"Some cursed gossip!" he muttered as she finished, while Faith managed
+to murmur,
+
+"I didn't mean any harm, papa.  I talked to him just as we do to
+Dwight, and he told me about his home, and what he is going to do in
+India.  You might have heard every word, papa!"
+
+"Of course, of course, I understand.  Only, I ought to have warned you;
+a steamer is a perfect hot-bed of gossip on a long voyage like this.
+But how did that scapegrace get hold of--wait!  Hasn't he been with
+that little Mrs. Campbell most of the day?"
+
+"Yes, he has," said Hope.  "They wouldn't play gromets with us, you
+remember; she said it was too warm."
+
+"Too warm, indeed!  I'd like to consign such mischief-makers to a
+hotter place.  Well, well, don't worry now.  I begin to comprehend it
+all."
+
+"But how should Mrs. Campbell know, papa?"
+
+"Because she was pacing the deck herself, or sitting in a corner.  I
+saw her under a smokestack with that Russian--no fit companion either.
+Had to leave his own country because of his record.  She's a nice one
+to talk--but that's the very kind.  Now, see here!  After this you
+girls keep close company, and stay in tow of Mrs. Vanderhoff, or Lady
+Moreham, and then you'll be all right.  You'll mind now?"
+
+"Yes we will, father, but tell me something.  Did you know Lady Moreham
+before this trip?  I thought--"  He turned a quizzical look upon Hope's
+eager face, and laughed a little.
+
+"Better think more about things that concern yourself, little one, and
+not be speculating about my passengers, or you'll get to be another
+Mrs. Campbell," and, kissing both girls, he gently seated Faith in his
+large chair and hurried out.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+A SUNDAY AT SEA.
+
+There is something in a Sunday at sea, in calm weather which must
+impress the most thoughtless.  The clean, well-regulated ship seems to
+take on an air of extra self-respect, the men, in fresh attire, go more
+quietly about their duties, the well-dressed passengers are less noisy
+and demonstrative, even the steerage puts on a slightly brighter look
+on Sunday morning, and for the time being the seeming calmness and
+content give one a delightful sense of rest.
+
+Captain Hosmer, like most good sailors, had a deep reverence for his
+Maker, and for that religion, "pure and undefiled," which inspiration
+teaches.  No one living the precarious life of the seaman can well help
+an abiding sense of personal dependence upon some Power greater than
+the most furious forces of the deep, and when this dependence becomes
+childlike and sincere, rather than a mere superstition born of terror,
+it gives a man that spirit Christ so lovingly inculcated, in which the
+soul rests, secure and still, within the bosom of the Father.
+
+Though Captain Hosmer had some of the roughnesses born of an
+adventurous life, he was at heart a sincere believer, and in joy or
+danger turned instinctively to his Maker in gratitude, or supplication.
+Though not brought up an Episcopalian, he followed the practice
+customary on board British vessels, and held service, reading from the
+Prayer-book every Sunday morning.
+
+To-day, the passengers gathered in the handsome saloon were glad to see
+the doors flung wide and the punkahs vigorously waving, for it was very
+warm.  Scarcely a person was absent; even Mr. Allyne, looking a bit
+pale and reserved, sat back in one corner, half screened by his
+companion, and near the open doors and windows, clustered the servants
+and such part of the crew as were off duty, their dark faces and
+turbaned heads forming an artistic contrast to the whiter-skinned race
+who sat within.
+
+At the precise hour named, the captain, exquisitely trim in his dark
+uniform, with his kindly, weatherbeaten, but clean-shaven face, took
+his place by one of the tables and looking gently around with his keen,
+pleasant eyes, began the slow, impressive reading of the special
+prayers assigned to the seamen's service.  Faith and Hope had never
+seen him in this role before, and the former felt her eyes fill, while
+the latter suddenly put out a hand and clasped her twin's in a little
+ecstasy of admiring appreciation.  Neither had even looked towards
+young Allyne, nor Chester Carnegie.  The latter, grave and attentive,
+sat near one of the open doors and followed the service without a
+glance about him.  It was an hour of gentle solemnity, which affected
+even the lightest heart.
+
+Allyne had wakened wretched, with a headache, only to be told by his
+friend of the grave misdemeanors of last night.
+
+"And," added Donelson, "the captain came to ask me about it later, but
+you were asleep, so we let you alone."
+
+"Heavens!  Did I make such a beast of myself, Jack?  You certainly
+exaggerate."
+
+"Not a particle.  Believe me, it's serious.  The little girls were
+white as paper, and Carnegie looked like the marble gladiator.  I tell
+you, you're in a pickle."
+
+Allyne groaned and turned over in his bunk.
+
+"Why didn't you stop me in time?" he questioned fiercely, with an oath.
+
+"Oh, you needn't swear at me, Tom Allyne!  I'm not your keeper.  When
+you know what champagne does for you, why don't you stop yourself in
+time?"
+
+"Why don't I?  Because then I don't know enough to stop, idiot!  The
+first glass goes to my head, I tell you."
+
+"Then you'd better not touch the first glass," returned Donelson
+airily, as he vigorously plied his military brushes to his sleek brown
+poll.  "It's a misfortune to be so weak in the upper story, Tom."
+
+"Humph!  I'd rather be weak in liquor than when sober," was muttered
+from the bunk.
+
+Donelson turned quickly.
+
+"See here, young man, if you want to quarrel with your best friend, all
+right!  I've stood by you so far, and dragged you out of the deepest
+danger, but if you get too abusive--good-by!  You may shift for
+yourself.
+
+"Well then, shut up and let me think, can't you?  I know you're all
+right, Jack, but my head aches terribly, and this muss nearly drives me
+mad.  Why can't you be sympathetic and advise me, instead of harrowing
+me up so mercilessly."
+
+The other laughed.
+
+"Well, by gracious!  I do feel for you, Tom.  But what can I do about
+it?"
+
+"Well, go and bring Carnegie here, for the first thing, can't you?"
+
+"Bring Carnegie to you?  I like that!  Why, man alive, do you realize
+that under that bashful girl-look of his there is a spirit that
+wouldn't flinch at anything where honor is concerned?  Watch his square
+jaw and the set of his lips.  Bring him to you!  You'll have to go to
+Carnegie, and eat some humble-pie into the bargain, Tom."
+
+"I don't believe it."
+
+"All right!  Perhaps I lie.  Just the same, I'll not do any such
+errand, even for you, that's certain.  I know my man, if you don't.
+And, now, I'm going to the barber-shop, and you can have all the time
+there is to think it over."
+
+So the situation rested when the parties concerned met under the same
+roof to listen to, possibly in some cases, to join in solemn prayer to
+God.  It was a few minutes after the service when the two young men
+most concerned met face to face in one of the dim and narrow
+passageways connecting the saloons.  Allyne stopped and Carnegie, after
+an instant's hesitation, did likewise.
+
+"I understand," began the former trying to laugh, "that you and I had a
+little falling out, last night."
+
+"You and I?  Not at all," was the prompt answer.  "Your quarrel is not
+with me; you simply insulted Miss Hosmer who, fortunately, has a father
+to protect her.  Make your peace with him."
+
+Allyne flushed darkly.
+
+"You don't mince your words, sir."
+
+"I have no reason to--nor is there any reason for our talking the thing
+over.  It is not my privilege to take it up, as I see plainly now; but
+if you are a man you will go straight to Captain Hosmer and apologize."
+
+"Oh, I will?  It's very easy to tell another man to put his head into
+the lion's mouth, isn't it?  If he does not know the whole, what's the
+use of rousing him up?  Better let it drop."
+
+"That's where you'll make a huge mistake.  I believe he knows all about
+it."
+
+"Has he told you so?"
+
+"Certainly not.  We haven't discussed the matter.  My belief comes from
+another source."
+
+"Oh, Miss--"
+
+"Don't finish!  We'll have no names mentioned, if you please.  You have
+simply misunderstood the character of one or two people to an almost
+inexcusable extent.  Settle your quarrel with him, then, if you wish
+it, and I'll ignore my part in it entirely.  But if you act the cad--"
+
+"Well, what then?"
+
+"Then the matter is not ended."
+
+"Indeed!" began Allyne, with a sneer, but a second look into the
+other's face, as he braced himself against the wall, even in the half
+darkness, convinced him that it would be better to let the affair drop
+for the present, at least, as he could now note well not only the
+square jaw to which his friend had referred, but also a flash of the
+blue eyes that looked dangerous.
+
+He turned away abruptly and with a "Very well," hurried onwards.  But
+as he went slowly out, crossed the forward deck, mounted the
+companionway to the upper deck, and continued still upwards to the
+bridge, where he could see the captain standing, the glass at his eyes,
+his thoughts were busy, and they were not pleasant thoughts, you may be
+sure.
+
+Captain Hosmer seemed too absorbed in something he was examining
+through his binocular to notice him, however, and just as Allyne,
+somewhat reluctantly, spoke his name, the watch sang out,
+
+"Sail on the port bow, sir."
+
+"Is she anchored, or drifting, Ferris?" called back the captain.
+
+"Drifting, I think, sir.  Should judge it's a wreck."
+
+"We must alter our course and make for her then," he said, turning to
+the steersman.  Then, with a swift look at Allyne who stood a step
+below waiting,
+
+"Anything particular, sir?"
+
+"Only a word to explain--"
+
+"Last night?  Well," sternly, "what excuse have you to make?"
+
+Allyne shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I was not myself, sir.  Your champagne was too heady."
+
+"H'm!  'Twas made for men, I reckon.  You did not exactly act the part
+of one, it seems to me.  Her Majesty's officials ought to have at least
+the manners of a gentleman."
+
+"You are hard on me, Captain Hosmer!"
+
+"A man is apt to be hard where his daughters are lightly treated."
+
+"I came to apologize.  Do you wish me to see the young ladies in
+person?"
+
+"By no means!  Keep as far from them as possible is all I ask.  They
+have their friends."
+
+He turned quickly to an officer awaiting commands, and paid no further
+attention as Allyne moodily withdrew.  The young man saw that the men
+were about to launch one of the boats, and that some of the crew were
+now making ready to raise the dingey to position on the davits, while
+others were hastening to take their seats within it.  The passengers,
+getting wind of some excitement, were hurrying sternwards, and he
+pushed along with them, glad to forget his sore feelings for a minute.
+
+Carnegie, followed by Dwight, pushed past him, alert and eager, and he
+saw the twins with a group of ladies, watching with all their eyes.
+Even his own chum, Donelson, was chatting at ease with two East Indian
+officials, absorbed and forgetful.  Tom Allyne felt decidedly left out,
+and it was not a pleasant sensation to one who had been accustomed to
+considering himself a good fellow and desirable companion.
+
+He leaned against the bulwark, a lonely figure in the midst of all this
+lively bustle, and wished impotently that he could have let well enough
+alone--and by well enough he doubtless meant both the champagne and
+Mrs. Campbell--thus preserving the pleasant relations of yesterday.  A
+steamship soon becomes the world itself to its passengers, and the
+little events of each day assume an exaggerated importance.  To be at
+odds with one's fellows on board means a rather desolate position for
+the young person fond of society, and this one moodily wished the
+miserable voyage over as he blinked in the sunshine, with his back to
+the rest.
+
+The dingey, with its human freight, was smoothly lowered to the water's
+edge, and rowed swiftly away, the captain, standing straight and tall
+in the stern, turning back to touch his cap with a smile, as the cheers
+resounded, but his eyes were upon two young faces who forgot to wave
+handkerchiefs, even, so absorbed were they to catch his slightest
+glance.  The boat looked a slender thing to breast the might of that
+great sea, if only half aroused, and though it was far from heavy
+to-day an occasional puff of wind sent the waves up in little swirls of
+foam, and seemed ready to drown it in spray.  As the fires were banked
+to stay the ship's course, the swarthy Seedees swarmed out for a breath
+of air, and all who could find a glass, among crew or passengers, were
+looking towards one spot.  They could distinguish the floating hulk
+with the naked eye, but only those with powerful lenses could say
+positively that there seemed no life about it.  After watching the
+dingey until it melted into the outlines of the larger hull, they
+formed into groups beneath the awnings, to speculate upon this wreck
+and to hear yarns of others, each more thrilling than the last, till
+the sisters began to fear they should never see their father safe again.
+
+Allyne, happening to turn from his sullen survey, saw that the
+Windemere girls, Mrs. Campbell, and two or three of the men were seated
+close by.  As he turned, Mrs. Campbell said pleasantly, but with
+something of sarcasm in her tone,
+
+"Aren't you well, Mr. Allyne?  This is the first time I've seen you
+to-day."
+
+"Yes, thank you, I'm well except for a headache."
+
+"Headache?  Indeed!" She laughed lightly, and her manner made him wince.
+
+"You seem to find it amusing," he said resentfully.
+
+She laughed outright.
+
+"Why, you're really _cross_!  Is that the way a generous dinner affects
+you?  Now, roast pig never goes to my head at all--does, it Janet?"
+
+Her mocking angered him in his present mood, but he had learned caution
+from last night and, simply bowing, walked off without a reply.  Under
+his breath, however, he anathematized a woman who could so easily lead
+a man into trouble, only to make merry over his discomfiture.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE STORY OF A WRECK.
+
+The day which had begun in Sabbath stillness, so far as wind and
+weather were concerned, was destined to end in a far different manner.
+The dingey had scarcely reached the drifting vessel when the wind began
+to freshen into a decided blow.  Clouds rolled up from the southwest,
+and it grew rapidly darker.  Many of the passengers retired to their
+staterooms, but the twins, consumed with anxiety for their father,
+would not leave the deck, and Lady Moreham, Mr. Lawrence, Bessie, and
+Dwight remained with them, the other ladies being obliged to retire.
+
+Presently, as the group watched, talking in subdued tones, amid the
+increasing noise of the coming storm, the watch sang out the glad news
+of the captain's boat in sight, and the girls, straining their gaze
+across the hillocks of gray-black waters beneath the angry sky, could
+see the tiny thing approaching.  Sometimes it seemed fairly swallowed
+in the trough of the sea, again it rose on the crest, only apparently
+to topple into oblivion the next instant--yet in spite of wind and wave
+making its sure and steady way to the great home ship, and safety.
+
+At length it was alongside, and, amid ringing cheers, the captain came
+aboard, wet to the skin, and waving back the eager girls, whose eyes
+were wet with tears of relief.
+
+"Don't touch me, daughters; I'll give you a chill.  And the first thing
+necessary is to see to our rescued man.  Come to me presently."
+
+They had just a glimpse of this person as he was carried forward by
+four men, but that glimpse was one never to be forgotten.  The haggard
+face, with the dark skin drawn like a mummy's across the prominent
+bones, the lips stiff and blackened, between which the teeth shone
+whitely, the eyes sunken and but half closed, gave it a horrible
+appearance.
+
+"Oh!" whispered Faith in distressed tones, "Isn't he already dead?"
+
+"Not quite," was the response.  "We'll bring him around, I reckon, but
+it was a close call."
+
+When all duties were discharged and the captain, in dry clothing, sat
+before a substantial supper in his own cabin, Joey was sent for the
+girls, who gladly joined him without loss of time.
+
+"Sit down," he cried gaily, between big mouth-fills.  "I know you are
+quivering with curiosity--I can see it sticking out all over you.  Just
+let me fill up this gaping void a little, and then I'll tell you a
+story that will make your two eyes like stars start from their spheres,
+and all the rest of it.  But now I must eat."
+
+They waited patiently, and presently, leaning comfortably back, with
+his third cup of coffee in his hand, he told them what follows:
+
+"We thought, when we reached the sunken, dismasted hull, that of course
+she was abandoned, but concluded to board her, and see if there was
+anything of value inside.  We made her out to be a tartan, probably
+with an Arab, or African, crew and it was evident she had been through
+a heavy storm, for her masts were washed clean overboard, and her
+bulwarks stove in.  We could not distinguish a soul aboard, and if she
+had carried boats they were gone, but as we went down into the hatchway
+we came upon a sight that I wouldn't care for you to see.  It was a
+dark 'tween-decks cabin, and the stench, as we descended, was simply
+horrible!  At my first step I stumbled over something that sent a
+shudder through me, and when I lighted a match and looked around the
+sight made me crawl.  Two poor wretches lay there, both dead, as we
+thought, but after giving them a thorough examination I decided there
+was a spark left in this poor fellow, at least, and after working over
+him a while we were sure of it.  The other could not be revived, so we
+weighted his feet, and let him slide the plank to his watery grave.
+But that wasn't all--however I guess I won't tell any more.  It's
+downright gruesome, and I've got to go up and take a lookout, for we're
+likely to have a wild night."
+
+"Oh yes, yes, father!" they begged.  "Don't leave us cut off short like
+this.  We want to hear it all."
+
+"Well, we managed to find a lantern, so that we could go on with our
+investigations.  Evidently, there had been foul play of some kind, for
+the cabin plainly showed signs of a fierce scrimmage.  There was blood
+on the walls and floor; one or two rusty weapons lay about, and on one
+was human hair.  I shouldn't have thought to look further, but a cry
+from Tower called me into the bit of an after-cabin, fitted up with
+bunks, and there lying flat, face downwards and head towards the door,
+as if she had fallen while running out, was an Arab woman."
+
+"And she was dead?" whispered Hope hoarsely.
+
+"Yes, and in the bunk was her baby, a little thing not many months old.
+I tell you, it was pitiful!"
+
+"Oh!" breathed Faith, "do you suppose it was left to starve?"
+
+"I'm afraid so.  I think the mother heard the fighting and started to
+run out, leaving her child safely hidden, when her husband was
+attacked, but was felled by a blow on the head.  We saw the marks."
+
+"Horrible!"  Hope covered her eyes, and the captain sprang up.
+
+"I ought not to have told you.  It was bad enough to see it myself,
+hardened as I am.  Now I must go.  Do you want one of the women to come
+and stay with you?"
+
+"No," said both, and he hurried out, but at the door was arrested by
+Hope.
+
+"One question more--did you bury them too, papa?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"In the same way?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+She drew a long, sighing breath as he disappeared, and turning clasped
+Faith close with a sob of overwrought feeling.  The sisters could not
+talk much over the hideous tale.  The night was shutting down wild and
+stormy, and the labored motion of the good steamship already showed
+that she was meeting heavier seas than they had yet encountered.  Yet,
+singularly, neither felt seasick, as yet.  The intense anxiety until
+their father's return, and the deep interest in his narration since,
+had driven all physical feeling from their minds.
+
+But, after a little, Faith said in a hushed voice, "I'm going to bed,
+Hope.  I couldn't talk to anybody in the saloon, and it's too wild to
+be on deck, so I might as well.
+
+"I'll go too," said Hope, "but let's just take a look out, at least."
+
+She suddenly turned off the electric switch leaving the cabin in total
+darkness, then drew her sister to the broad swell of windows looking
+out upon the forward deck.  It was bare enough tonight.  All the
+awnings were closely furled and the chairs stowed away in snug stacks,
+while not a figure could be seen where all had been light, warmth and
+cheer, a few hours earlier.  Only one or two of the incandescent lights
+were on, and beyond that feeble glow there seemed a great void of
+darkness and storm.  The gloom shut in the steamer's world as with a
+thick curtain; not a star was visible, but now and then a white swirl
+of foam gleamed for a second through the murk, and then, with a
+creaking and groaning as if in pain, the good ship lurched, trembled,
+and as the wave broke with an indescribable noise, steadied herself
+once more, to plunge onward as fast as steam could force her in the
+teeth of wind and wave.
+
+Some days later, when the almost perished man had regained
+consciousness and a modicum of strength, the girls were told the rest
+of his story, which I will give you here.
+
+He was first-mate of the "Shiraz," a tartan, which, to be explicit, is
+a small coasting vessel peculiar to the Mediterranean Sea, used
+principally for conveying stock, and sometimes other merchandise.
+This, headed for the Balearics, had shipped a crew at Algiers, the
+captain being forced to take what he could pick up in a hurry.  He was
+a Corsican, and seems to have been a cruel man, though his mate loyally
+made the best of him, and insisted he was a good captain.
+
+But, be that as it might, some failure in rations and water made the
+crew surly and ready to break out into open grumbling upon any
+pretense, so that, when they encountered a fierce squall, and sprung a
+leak, it was almost impossible to keep them at the pumps, until terror
+of their own lives forced them to yield to discipline.
+
+But, though they finally succeeded in stopping the leak, this was not
+accomplished until the mainsail had been carried away by the heavy sea,
+and other injuries sustained.  It was a terrible time for all, and the
+crew, exhausted and overworked on insufficient food, were only held to
+their tasks by the captain and mates standing over them with loaded
+firearms.
+
+In some unknown way one of them discovered a hogshead of arrack, the
+East Indian whisky, and, unseen by the officers, they tapped it and
+secretly helped themselves.
+
+The fiery, stuff changed them from men into demons, and that night they
+mutinied.  The second mate, who was upon deck, attempted to check their
+rush, but was felled with a cutlass and kicked overboard.  Next, they
+made for the cabin, where the captain and mate were sitting, while the
+former's wife and child were asleep in the adjoining apartment.
+
+There was a sharp, desperate encounter in the small space, in which
+they were quickly over-powered.  But when the mate was struck senseless
+he rolled under the large table, and must have escaped further notice,
+for after despatching the captain and his screaming wife, the mutineers
+evidently took at once to the boats, and left the dismasted hulk to
+founder with its gruesome freight.
+
+But the storm was over by that time, and it had drifted for two days
+and nights, at least, by the mate's reckoning, during which he had lain
+unconscious, wondrously preserved from death.
+
+What was the fate of the seamen thus deserting no one could tell, but
+with men insensate from arrack, even should they have escaped immediate
+danger from the sea, they could hardly make port safely in a small open
+boat.
+
+It was more than probable that the mate was the only one left of the
+ill-fated crew.  Captain Hosmer was unable to take the tartan in tow on
+account of the storm, but marked its location to report it at Algiers,
+that wreckers might be sent to save the cargo and sink the hulk that it
+should no longer be a menace and danger to every passing craft.
+
+"How delightful this is!" murmured Faith early next morning, after
+hours of storm-tossed uneasiness and dread.  "Did you ever hear such
+awful noises as we had all night?  I'm almost afraid to look, for fear
+everything is broken in here."
+
+Hope, wide awake in an instant, returned,
+
+"It is astonishingly still now, isn't it?  I wonder what it means.
+Even the engines have stopped--don't you hear?"
+
+"How can I hear stillness?" laughed Faith.  "I do perceive that they've
+stopped, though.  Yes, we must have come safely into port
+somewhere--why, I wonder if it is Algiers?"
+
+Hope rose up on one elbow, in some excitement, then gave a cry.
+
+"Why, look at the cage--and where is Texas?" and Faith, rising also,
+saw that the bottom had dropped out of the parrot's home and lay, with
+its contents, but not its inmate, upon the floor amid some broken glass
+and crockery.
+
+"The storm has done it!  Where can Texas be?  Oh, I hope he is not
+killed--"
+
+"Good-morning!" croaked a voice at their very ears, and there, on the
+thick nickel rim surrounding one of the portholes just above their
+heads, perched Texas, dignified and imperturbable as ever.
+
+Both girls broke into laughter, and tried to coax him down, but
+unvailingly.  He sat in a solemn quiet such as he seldom showed in his
+cage, and clung to his slippery place with an air that said, "I have
+known trouble and insecurity enough.  Now that I have a foothold, poor
+as it is, I mean to keep it," and though he returned to their coaxing
+civil enough responses, he could not be tempted even to perch upon
+Hope's white wrist, which was usually a proud privilege to his birdship.
+
+"Well," she said, giving it up, "I mean to see what has happened and
+where we are at, as those American newspapers put it.  We must be safe
+somewhere, for they are washing down decks just as usual."
+
+"I wonder if father slept a wink all night," said Faith.  "If he didn't
+then he is probably resting now, so we must be careful not to disturb
+him."
+
+"That's true.  I'll be like a mouse!"  Hope was hurrying into a pink
+_robe de chambre_, which the girls best liked to call a pajama, and now
+slipped her feet into a pair of little Turkish slippers, all toe and
+sole, and opening the communicating door, peered into the library.  It
+was empty, but her father's tarpaulins, in a heap on the floor, just
+outside his stateroom door, showed he was within, so she moved very
+softly across to the broad outlook of windows.
+
+In a minute she went flying back in silent swiftness.  "Come, Faith,"
+she whispered excitedly, "it's the finest thing you ever saw!"
+
+Soon both pajamaed figures were looking with great eyes at the novel
+scene before them.  They found themselves anchored in some large harbor
+amid a forest of shipping, much of it the oddest they had ever seen.
+Instead of the straight, strong masts they were accustomed to, here
+were those that shot up so tall and slender they seemed to bend over of
+their own weight, like a young sapling.  To these rapier-like masts
+were fastened sails of quaint square shape and dingy hues, or of sharp
+triangular form, which they learned afterwards were the lateen sails
+they had read of, but never seen.  The prows of these small vessels
+were all so oddly curved and shaped, while the figureheads suggested
+nightmare fancies of the brain.  Off a little way rose a fine walled
+city that seemed made all of marble, at first glance.  Just now, in
+this early light, it was coldly white like a cemetery, but presently
+the sun shot his first warm beam over the horizon's edge, and lo! a
+transformation.  The towering whiteness now blushed into rosy hues, the
+black-green of the foliage lightened to a delicate tint, while bits of
+gay colors here and there suggested parks and gardens filled with
+bloom.  The cemetery had become a Palace Beautiful.
+
+The girls gazed a long time, then, a bit chilled, for the night's gale
+had greatly cooled the air, they crept back, to sleep a while longer,
+in spite of the well-meant advice of Texas.  "Get up, lazyheads!"
+austerely flung down from the porthole.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+ALGIERS AND ANDY.
+
+It was several hours later before they went ashore, the special party
+that the girls were in being led by Mr. Lawrence, and consisting of the
+four young people.  Mrs. Vanderhoff had been quite upset by the storm,
+and was not equal to any exertion yet, which was, indeed, the condition
+of several of the passengers.
+
+Even Mr. Lawrence looked pale, and laughingly owned to "being a little
+shaky in his gait."  But he thought himself equal to a jaunt in the
+city, especially such an odd, quaint one as Algiers.
+
+Captain Hosmer took them ashore in his own gig, but left them on the
+quay, for he was full of business.  He said they might take their time,
+as he did not expect to get up steam again much before night, and
+slipped a coin into each of the girl's hands, telling them to use it
+"for fun."  Then, explaining that by the time they were ready to board
+her again the steamer would doubtless be in her slip, and thus easily
+reached, he lifted his cap and was off.
+
+"How strange it all is!" cried Bess, with a slow delighted survey.
+"This street we are in might be a part of New York, or of London, so
+far as buildings go, but the old Egyptian fashions and people, the open
+booths, and the queer old street venders are all mixed through it,
+somehow, until it seems as unreal as a dream.
+
+"Yes," laughed Hope; "it makes me think of a girl dressed in a Paris
+gown, but wearing a mishmak, like our ayahs on the ship."
+
+"It's the new grafted upon the old," observed Mr. Lawrence, "and we are
+now coming to what is all old."
+
+He led the way into a narrow lane-like street, which seemed mostly a
+succession of rude steps, leading upwards.
+
+Here they had to move one side and hug the wall, to make way for a
+donkey-train, with heavily laden panniers, which was being goaded along
+by dark-skinned boys, who, as Dwight remarked, seemed to wear all their
+clothes on their heads, where the heavy turban was coiled by the yard,
+while thence to the waist was scarcely any covering.  Their black eyes
+gleamed good-naturedly, however, and when Mr. Lawrence flung a handful
+of small coin among them they scrambled vivaciously, salaamed to him
+and to the girls, and showed every white tooth with pleasure at the
+"backsheesh."
+
+"Dear me!  It seems to be all climb here," remarked Faith wearily,
+after an hour or two of the rough native streets, which divide the old
+town and make it like a different place, as compared with the new.
+
+"Yes, it's climbing, either way you take it," said Dwight.  "You can't
+even have the fun of sliding down-hill after getting up, for these
+steps are so rough you've got to pick your way every instant, or take a
+tumble.  Now, what is that?  Did you ever see anything so queer?  Why,
+_what_ is it?"
+
+Even Mr. Lawrence was nonplussed for a moment, but presently broke into
+laughter, in which he was quickly joined by the rest, for the queer
+figure approaching turned out to be a vender of monkeys, and he had
+certainly chosen a most novel device for carrying his lively burden.  A
+tall branch of considerable size had been freshly cut from an olive
+tree, and its leaves still hung, coldly-gray, and only half wilted,
+from the twigs.
+
+Among this foliage were clustered a dozen or more of the little
+creatures, each fastened by one leg to prevent escape.  This tree-like
+branch was carried straight upward, like a flag-staff, by a stalwart
+Mohammedan who, with his burnous wrapped about him, in all the dignity
+of a Roman senator, stalked steadily ahead, once in a while breaking
+into an odd cry that told his wares, but, as Mr. Lawrence suggested,
+sounded more like the slogan of a Scottish chieftain going into battle.
+Altogether, he was an odd and striking spectacle.
+
+They stopped the man to parley with him, and in a mixture of French and
+Arabic he managed to inform Mr. Lawrence that his monkeys were well
+trained and tamed, and that they came from the Vallée des Singes,[1]
+not far away.
+
+"Oh!" breathed Faith in an aside to her sister, as the men were
+conferring, "aren't they the cunningest things?  And so little!  Hope,
+I've a great mind to buy one in place of poor Hafiz.  Don't you think
+it would be fun?"
+
+"Y-yes, of course.  But aren't they dreadfully mischievous?"
+
+"All the more fun, then!  I certainly am going to buy one.  Father said
+the money he gave us was to be spent for fun, and there's nothing
+funnier than a monkey."
+
+Faith looked and felt like a naughty child.  It was seldom she asserted
+herself against the known inclinations of others, and when she did she
+could be really obstinate.  Hope's objections only increased her desire
+to purchase.
+
+"Mr. Lawrence," she cried eagerly, "do ask him the price of this wee
+thing on the lowest branch--the one that has such a forsaken look.  My
+heart aches for him!"
+
+"But I thought you wanted a funny one, Faith," put in her sister.
+"Now, this looks much jollier; see how he jumps about and grimaces."
+
+But Faith's tender heart was touched by the mournful look of the
+smaller creature, and she felt, somehow, that she could better justify
+her purchase if compassion helped to sway her, for, though no one
+really opposed her, she felt denial in the air, and was quite certain
+she might meet it from her father upon her return to the ship with this
+new pet.  So she went on rapidly, "Yes, I want this one.  With good
+care and petting he will grow happier, I'm sure.  Then he really looks
+as if he had a conscience."
+
+Mr. Lawrence laughed.
+
+"Be not deceived by that long visage, Miss Hosmer.  I have a foreboding
+that he will prove a terror.  Time will tell."
+
+Dwight was of course wild to invest, also, but his uncle said,
+
+"No, my boy!  One monkey is a good many.  Wait and see how this will
+turn out.  There's no end to the opportunities for monkey deals in this
+part of the world.  They are a drug on the market."
+
+Meanwhile, the stately vender set his tree against a wall and began
+gravely untying the wizened little specimen from his branch, then
+handed him into the eagerly outstretched hands of Faith with a superb
+smile, as if he were some great potentate conferring a priceless boon
+upon a beloved subject.  Not that he was anything but the poorest
+fellah,[2] with scarce a sou to his credit, but this is Oriental
+mannerism, and most impressive mannerism it is, too.
+
+He then raised his finger and addressed a regular harangue to the
+creature, who, with tail curled about Faith's wrist, sat gravely upon
+his two palms and listened.  The tiny beast was so moveless, so
+attentive, and so solemn, its master so earnest and impressive that all
+looked on wonderingly until, having finished his remarks, the Arab gave
+a last shake of his dingy finger monkeywards, salaamed low to the
+party, then shouldering his burden stalked on once more, the little
+captive looking after him for a minute, and then wrinkling up his mummy
+visage to give a weak, babyish cry.
+
+"Oh, dear!  He's going to be homesick," groaned Faith, almost repenting
+of her bargain.  "See him cry after the man!  What shall I do with him?"
+
+"Let me take him," urged Dwight.  "I'll button him up in my jacket and
+he'll forget and go to sleep, and then, when he wakes, he'll be all
+right."
+
+"Do you think so?  Well, here he is--but tie the string tight to
+something, so that you won't lose him, please."
+
+"Of course--to my buttonhole, here.  There Mr. Monkey, you can't
+complain of that for a nest--see here!  Don't scratch so, you little
+varmint!  You'll tear my shirt front to smithereens."
+
+For a time there certainly was danger of such a catastrophe, but by
+soothing and petting the tiny thing was at length appeased, and settled
+down to slumber, while Dwight, in great content over his odd burden,
+trudged along with the rest, wishing more than ever that the little
+treasure were his very own.
+
+They had a delightful stroll of three hours up and down the queer
+scrambling streets of the old town, stopping now and then to buy fruit,
+or curios, of the merchants in the open booths, sitting cross-legged
+and solemn over their long pipes, and seeming so utterly indifferent to
+purchasers, until they were in danger of losing them, when they woke to
+eager gesticulation and gabble.
+
+Occasionally, they peered into the doors of the native schools, where
+the scholars squatted on shelves about the dim room, and were graduated
+as to size, the largest sitting nearest the ceiling.
+
+"For all the world," whispered Hope, "like a cupboard full of china
+pitchers!"
+
+Next to this, perhaps, would be a group that only needed framing to
+make a picture, where two grave men, each wrapped in his burnous, sat
+Turk-fashion, playing checkers before a low doorway, while back in the
+shadow an indistinct figure, in flowing white drapery, touched the
+strings of some instrument which sent out a sound of thin tinkling,
+that could scarcely be called music because so tuneless and monotonous.
+
+In places the streets were so very narrow, dark, and filthy, and the
+few figures slid away into the windowless house walls in so ghostlike a
+fashion, that the girls hesitated a little before following their guide.
+
+"I feel a good deal as if I were going through a graveyard," whispered
+Bess once, "only it's one where the inmates sometimes walk!"
+
+"Yes," said Mr. Lawrence, and told her how a French author who has
+written well and largely of this odd corner of the earth, called these
+steep dark streets, "mysterious staircases leading to silence," which
+greatly impressed them all as entirely descriptive of their weirdness.
+
+Hunger at length drove them back to the fine new town, with its broad,
+well-paved streets, gas and electric lights, gay awnings, and beautiful
+parks and squares where grew a very luxury of blossoms.  They were all
+quite ready for rest and dinner, and felt they had found both in the
+great dining-room of an elegant hotel, where the only foreign things
+were the punkahs and the turbaned waiters, for the tables, glittering
+in silver and crystal, the richly frescoed walls, the surrounding
+galleries lined with blooming plants, the military band playing there,
+and the many uniformed officers among the guests at table, suggested
+only French dominion and Parisian luxury and fashion.  Indeed, as Mr.
+Lawrence explained, Algeria is a French colony, and its fortified walls
+are manned and guarded by French soldiers, only.
+
+The dinner was exquisitely cooked and served, and all were enjoying it
+as only youth and good digestion, stimulated by exercise, can, when
+something happened--Mr. Monkey awoke.  Dwight felt his wriggles, but
+hoped he would calm down again after a little, as he had before.  The
+rest of the party, absorbed in their dinner, had nearly forgotten the
+stranger, and Bess, when she saw an uneasy movement or two on her
+brother's part, thought he had taken too large and hot a mouthful of
+the red curry, and gave him a protesting glance for his greediness.
+
+The next instant there was a worse convulsion, and just under his
+necktie suddenly appeared a tiny apish head.  Before any one could do
+more than gasp the whole monkey was out of prison, and, with a leap to
+Dwight's shoulder, began taking observations; then seeing the food on
+his plate made a dive for it.
+
+Both Dwight and Mr. Lawrence interfered to stop him, but the creature
+was brought up short by his bit of rope, fastened to the lad's
+buttonhole, and began crying loudly as he hung suspended by one leg for
+an instant.
+
+With a scarlet face Dwight jerked him upright, and tried to slip him
+into a pocket; but by this time Mr. Monkey's ire was up, and he scorned
+to be thus concealed.  People all about were looking and laughing,
+while the head-waiter was bearing down upon them with a threatening
+eye.  Faith, conscience-stricken, and too well aware that she ought to
+bear the brunt other new pet's misbehavior, rather than Dwight, looked
+on miserably, as red as he, while Hope giggled wildly, and Bess looked
+utterly disgusted.
+
+Dwight made another clutch at the creature, which evaded him and, with
+a rapid movement, wound the rope around his neck so tightly that he
+choked, and began to turn black in the face.  Mr. Lawrence, who, though
+mortified by the sensation they were creating, could not restrain his
+laughter, now sprang to his nephew's aid, and was about to cut the
+strangling cord when another flashing movement unwound it, and left the
+lad's windpipe intact.
+
+Thoroughly angry now, Dwight caught the apish thing, and, boxing its
+ears till it howled, stuffed it into his pocket and hurried from the
+room, his dinner forgotten in his chagrin.
+
+"Oh, oh!" moaned Faith, cowering disconsolately over her plate, "what
+can I do, Mr. Lawrence?  Poor Dwight!  It's all my fault.  And he was
+_so_ hungry.  Can't we give it to somebody, or--or wring its neck, if
+it must be?  It's too bad!"
+
+"Well, it is a somewhat upsetting episode," he agreed, still shaking
+inwardly, "but it may serve one good purpose.  Dwight will cease his
+teasing to own one of the pesky things, I imagine.  And don't worry
+over his dinner, Miss Faith.  He's eaten enough already to keep him
+from starvation, I'm sure, and I'll see that he returns to finish after
+the guests have thinned somewhat.  Poor boy!  He's had monkey enough
+for to-day, I'll warrant."
+
+They soon left the table, for Faith could not eat another mouthful, and
+all felt anxious to know how the battle had ended.  They at length
+found Dwight sitting dejectedly in one of the veranda chairs, his hair
+tumbled, coat torn, and necktie awry, and his face as long as his arm.
+The monkey, quite as solemn, was tied to a post, and sat pensively
+holding its chops in its skinny palms and eyeing its new master with
+great disfavor.
+
+"So you've conquered?" laughed Mr. Lawrence, while Faith began humbly
+to beg pardon, but was quickly interrupted.
+
+"What for?" asked Dwight brusquely.  "You couldn't help it because he's
+a fool, could you?"
+
+"No, no, Dwight--not that!  Only a monkey," cried Hope, delighting in
+the scene.  "You and Faith both wanted a funny one, you know, and
+you've got it, so what's the use of fretting?  I'll tell you--let's
+give him to the next beggar that follows us, shall we, Faith?
+
+"No," said the girl with sudden resolution, "I'll take care of him,
+myself."
+
+She stepped close to the troubled mite and untying the rope, gently
+lifted it to her arms, softly stroking it and speaking in a low, cooing
+voice.  Both touch and glance proved magnetic, and soon it had curled
+down in the shelter of her arms and gave no more trouble.
+
+After Dwight had finished his interrupted repast Mr. Lawrence said
+there was one more place, not far distant, that he wanted them
+particularly to visit, and all somewhat reluctantly followed him into a
+church that, though handsome, looked too thoroughly English to seem
+interesting amid old-world quaintness.  But they were to find
+themselves mistaken.  It proved to be, indeed, an English chapel, but
+it was still more--a memorial to all English-speaking people who once
+suffered martyrdom in this city, when it boasted its thousands of
+Christian slaves brought from doomed vessels by the dreaded Corsairs;
+also of those who have died more happily, as free men, in later years.
+
+As they strolled quietly about the interesting building, beneath the
+stained-glass windows, reading these various records, which are
+inscribed on precious marbles in high colors, that make a dado around
+the walls, Hope gave a little cry and eagerly beckoned Dwight, who had
+fallen behind.  He came at once, and both read with intense
+satisfaction a glowing tribute to a certain American consul from our
+own United States, who once "rendered eminent services to the British
+nation"--so read the inscription--by friendly help to the British
+Consul, who was held in chains by the Dey, and his family expelled to
+lonely and terrified isolation far in the interior.  A grateful nation
+had erected the tablet.
+
+"Good!" whispered Dwight, then as if to relieve their excited feelings,
+the two gravely shook hands.
+
+"What means this ceremony?" asked Mr. Lawrence with amusement, as he
+looked on surprisedly, and Dwight, pointing to the mural tablet,
+answered with dignity,
+
+"We were just showing our pride in our two countries, uncle," and in
+spite of the disarray caused by his little unpleasantness with the
+monkey, Dwight at that moment looked so noble that his uncle could not
+help a quick, "Bless you, my boy!" as he laid a hand lovingly upon the
+lad's shoulder.
+
+When on board the "International" once more, our friends separated for
+needed rest, and the sisters entered the library, to find their father
+busy over a wilderness of papers spread out upon the large table in the
+center.  But he took leisure to give them a hearty greeting, and cried
+merrily,
+
+"You never can guess what I found for you in Algiers!"
+
+"Nor you what I found in Algiers," returned Faith quickly, keeping a
+firm hold on the little captive, who was now hidden beneath her lace
+scarf.
+
+"You found?  Have you been buying me a present, girlie?" laughed her
+father with eager interest.
+
+"Why, n--no, not exactly," stammered Faith, somewhat taken aback, and
+growing decidedly warm in her efforts to keep the beast quiet.  "Only
+I--"
+
+"What's the matter with your hands?  Can't you keep 'em still under
+that gauze thing?" asked her father suspiciously, while Hope, expectant
+and amused, looked on with dancing eyes.
+
+"Yes only--oh!  Hope, I can't hold him, he scratches so--a-auch!" and
+in spite of herself she dropped the spunky mite which, like a streak of
+lightning, dashed across the room and up Captain Hosmer's leg, into his
+coat pocket.  The yard of twine, still attached to him, hung outside,
+and the astonished man, seeing only the streak and the string, sprang
+up with a shout of dismay.
+
+"A snake!" he cried.  "A _snake_!  What are you doing with a snake?"
+
+Hope, in a paroxysm, fell back upon the window seat, Faith, between
+laughter and dismay, tried to explain, and poor little Monsieur Siege,
+nearly scared out of his wits, darted from the inhospitable pocket up
+the chair-back, then leaped to the top of the window, where, feeling
+secure, he hung himself up to the curtain-rod by his tail, and
+proceeded to scold, like a perfect virago.
+
+The captain looked at him, glanced down at his pocket saw the "snake"
+had gone, but thumping it once or twice to make sure turned upon Faith,
+his face red and puckered, yet with a gleam of fun in his eye that
+detracted from the fierceness of his mien.
+
+"You little greenhorn!  Have you been buying a nasty monkey?" he
+thundered.
+
+"Oh, papa!  I'm sorry if you're not pleased.  I thought, now poor Hafiz
+is dead--and Hope has Texas--oh see, see!  Ha, ha!  I _must_ laugh.
+Isn't that the cutest thing you ever saw?"
+
+For the shriveled witch, taking in the whole scene, had drawn himself
+up as nearly like the captain as possible and with one wee fist doubled
+up, was thumping his own little hams, an exact imitation of the man's
+gesture.  In spite of himself, Captain Hosmer burst into laughter, Hope
+fairly rolled, and Faith, relieved and delighted, let the merry peals
+ring out, till Tegeloo, busy with some duty just outside, shook his
+little fat sides, and showed all his ivories in sympathy.
+
+Faith and her pet had won the day, and when her father broke out,
+
+"Where did you get such a Handy-Andy?" she cried quickly,
+
+"There, you've named him, father, you've named him!  I have been
+wondering what to call him, and that's just the thing.  Handy-Andy he
+shall be."
+
+And Handy-Andy he was, but this soon became shortened to Andy alone,
+and by that name we will speak of his monkeyship in future.
+
+
+
+[1] Vale of Monkeys.
+
+[2] Egyptian peasant.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+GUESSWORK.
+
+"But," said the captain, at length, "you haven't guessed yet what I
+have for you."
+
+"Sure enough!" cried Hope, suddenly sitting upright.  "Is it a sari for
+each, or a fez, or--"
+
+"Or a pajama?" laughed Faith.
+
+"No, you are miles away!  It's something that is precious, that you can
+share equally, and that did not cost me a penny.  There!  I've given
+you pointers enough for the dullest guesser."
+
+"And only made it harder!" said Hope.
+
+"Let's see, it's precious, and to be shared, and cost nothing?  I
+didn't suppose one could even pick up a pebble, in Algiers, without its
+costing."
+
+"Well, this is not a pebble," returned the father.
+
+"Oh, may we ask questions?" cried Faith.  "Like the game of 'Twenty
+Questions,' you know?" and, at his nod, she continued excitedly, "Is it
+animal, vegetable, or mineral?"
+
+"Well, one might almost say all three," said their father slowly, "for
+its principal ingredient is certainly vegetable, yet with it is a
+strong impress of what may be made from a mineral, and neither would be
+of the least use, but for the animal, which combines the two, to make
+them what they are."
+
+"Dear! dear!  It grows harder and harder," groaned Hope.  "Is its
+principal element fire, air, earth, or water?"
+
+"Well, you've rather caught me there," laughed the father.  "Let me
+see--there may be fire of a certain kind in it, though it's not yet
+visible; of course it is permeated with air, like everything else, and,
+judging from its appearance, I should think there was considerable
+earth about it--" laughing amusedly--"but water?  Well, no--it has
+crossed water, no doubt, but--"
+
+"Papa, it's a book!" Hope burst out with conviction.  "The paper is
+vegetable, the ink mineral, and the fire is--is--well, genius, you
+know, and--wait!  I'll ask another question; can it be opened and shut?"
+
+"It can be open--yes.  But shut?  I hardly see how--"
+
+"Why, surely, papa, you can shut a book," put in Faith.
+
+"But it isn't a book," returned the captain blandly, at which both
+stared in dumb amazement.
+
+"Not a _book_?  Oh dear!" they sighed in concert.
+
+Their father laughed outright.
+
+"Why don't you ask some more questions?" he cried teasingly.
+
+"Oh, because it seems as if every one mixed us up worse.  I was so
+_sure_ it was a book," groaned Hope, quite crestfallen.
+
+"Well then, is it useful or ornamental?"
+
+"Now, that's a poser!"  He ruminated a minute, then said, "It's useful,
+certainly, but not just what you'd call ornamental.  One wouldn't save
+it for an ornament--not this one, anyway, but simply for its contents--"
+
+"I have it, I have it!"  Faith actually jumped up and down.
+
+"It's a letter!  It's a letter from Debby!  Now, isn't it?  Your
+'contents' gave it away.  Say I'm right, father--come, now!"
+
+"Well, you are.  You've guessed it, that's certain."
+
+"Humph!" sneered Hope, distinctly miffed, "who couldn't, after you'd
+fairly told it?  I knew all the time it was a book, or a letter, or
+something."
+
+"You should have said so sooner, Miss Hindsight," laughed her father.
+"But I confess you came pretty close to it, my dear.  And here it is.
+From Debby, surely, because from Portsmouth, but this elegant modern
+writing is never hers in the world.  She has evidently engaged some
+friend to write that address, and it's a neat one."
+
+"Father, you said there was earth about it; how can that be?" broke in
+Hope, scarcely mollified, as yet.
+
+He held it up, and pointed to its worn condition, and two or three
+black thumb-marks.
+
+"Isn't there earth for you?" he laughed.  "What is earth but soil?"
+
+"Oh--h!" cried Hope, "is that fair--to play upon words so?"
+
+"Let's call it square anyhow, sweetheart, and you read it aloud to
+sister and me, won't you?"
+
+Hope could do no less than comply, and the bulky missive was received
+by the listeners with as much respectful enjoyment as if it had been a
+neat-appearing, well-worded epistle, instead of the rambling,
+disjointed, much-soiled, and oddly-expressed letter that it was.  The
+good woman began and ended every paragraph with lamentations and
+longings over her darlings, and the lines between told of her 'good'
+and 'bad' lodgers, as she distinctly divided them, her few pleasure
+jaunts, and some of the gossip of the neighborhood, only a few words of
+which concern this little history.
+
+"You'll recklict," she wrote, "the leddy what come jest a dey or too
+before yoo saled?  Well, shees heer yit and I like 'er best ov al.  She
+ain't to say real lively, yoo no, but shese good compny, and ken talk
+good on most enny sub-jick, and she ain't abuv spending a 'our with old
+Debby now'n then either.  She is thee wun what is riting yure names on
+this verry letter--ain't it good ov 'er?"
+
+"Who is this lodger?" asked the captain.  "I don't remember seeing her."
+
+The girls looked at each other inquiringly.
+
+"Don't you remember, Hope?"
+
+"I didn't suppose you'd forget, Faith!" were their simultaneous
+remarks, as each began to laugh.
+
+"No," said Hope then, "I can't remember at all; but I know she was
+looking at our rooms just the day before we sailed, and we thought her
+very ladylike and pleasant.  Don't you know how interested she seemed
+in our voyage, and how we thought her an American, then recalled
+afterwards that we had not found out whether she was or not?"
+
+"Yes, it does come back to me," said Faith, and the talk drifted into
+other home matters, not essential here.
+
+The next day was more sultry than any they had yet experienced, and the
+decks were filled with loungers.  Hope and Bess, however, were deeply
+occupied over some new stitch in embroidery, that one was teaching the
+other, and Faith, who had been romping with the little ones till warm
+and weary, thought, while resting in a deep steamer-chair by herself,
+that she would give dear old Debby's letter a second reading.  As she
+drew it from her pocket for that purpose, and removed the envelope, a
+little puff of wind caught the latter from her lap, and sent it lightly
+skimming down the deck.  Faith, quite unheeding, read on, smiling over
+her nurse's peculiar spelling, and the envelope sped along its way
+unchecked, an unconscious instrument of fate.  As if heaven-directed,
+it presently swerved a trifle from its first course, fluttered to and
+fro an instant, then neared a woman, who sat listlessly by herself, her
+arms resting upon those of her chair and her eyes, dark and sad,
+fastened upon the far horizon.  There was a tense quiet in her attitude
+that seemed to cover something most unlike quietude within.
+
+A slight noise at her side broke the spell of her gloomy musing and,
+glancing down, she saw the bit of stiff paper lying motionless beside
+her, and thinking it something she might herself have dropped, reached
+idly down and picked it up.
+
+But at the first glance she was as one electrified.  Sitting upright,
+pallid and eager, she gazed at the superscription, her face growing
+radiant with hope and joy.  At length she rose and, turning about,
+looked forward along the deck, gay with its groups in light clothing,
+its covering awnings, and its little children with their picturesque
+Indian ayahs.
+
+A short way off sat Faith, smiling over her letter, and to her went
+Lady Moreham, a soft expression upon her face that made it lovely.
+
+"My dear," she said, as the girl looked up brightly, "is this yours?"
+
+Faith glanced at the envelope, which the speaker did not offer to
+relinquish.
+
+"Why, yes.  Did I drop it?  Oh, it blew away.  Thank you for returning
+it."
+
+As she spoke she rose, with instinctive courtesy, and offered her
+chair, bringing another from a little distance for herself.  Lady
+Moreham accepted it with an absent manner, and, sinking into it, said
+quickly, with agitation in her tones,
+
+"I must ask you a question or two, but not out of curiosity, believe
+me.  Was this address written by some one you know--a friend?"
+
+Faith smiled.
+
+"Yes and no, my lady.  We have met the one who wrote it--Hope and
+I--but neither of us can recall her name;" and thereupon she told
+something of her old nurse, and the coming of the new lodger, just
+before their departure on this journey.
+
+Lady Moreham listened with breathless interest, her eyes intent upon
+the envelope, which she still held.  As Faith touched lightly upon the
+appearance of the stranger, she said briefly.
+
+"Tell me more, please.  Describe everything about her.  Was she tall,
+or short?  What colored hair and eyes?  What sort of voice?"
+
+"A flutey voice, like some birds I've listened to," returned the girl
+ruminantly, "but with something a bit odd and different in her speech
+that made us think her an American, and Hope even spoke of it; but just
+then the carriage came to take us to the wharf, and she forgot to
+answer."
+
+"Yes, yes," cried the other eagerly, "and she was tall and slender?"
+
+"Very, and a fine figure, we thought.  She had light brown hair, and
+her eyes--"
+
+"Yes, her eyes--"  Lady Moreham was bending forward with bated breath,
+and Faith watched her wonderingly as she continued, "When she looked at
+you, listening to what you had to say, was there any peculiarity?"
+
+"Only that they were not of the same size nor color," laughed the girl,
+"and she had a way of dropping her head a little, and looking up
+sidewise like a bird."
+
+"True, true!" breathed the lady, "and as you say one eye was brown and
+one blue."
+
+Faith nodded acquiescence, but smiled to herself, knowing she had said
+nothing of the kind.
+
+"But you cannot remember her name?"
+
+"No, neither of us.  We only saw her for a few minutes, once or twice,
+you see."
+
+A little cloud fell over the lady's face, and after a perplexed gaze,
+in which her eyes, fixed upon Faith, seemed to look through and beyond
+her, she rose abruptly, said in her usual reserved manner, "Thank you
+for your information," and walked away.
+
+Faith, looking after her wonderingly, saw young Allyne standing near,
+his eyes turned wistfully upon herself.  She flushed a little, and so
+did he; then, with an impulsive movement, he made a step forward.
+
+"Miss Hosmer," he began quickly, "I've wanted to say a word to your
+sister for some time, but no opportunity has offered.  Perhaps it will
+be just as well to say it to you?"
+
+Faith bowed, not comprehending, and he went on rapidly, as if to hurry
+over a disagreeable duty,
+
+"I feel that I was inexcusable, the other evening, in my reference to
+your sister, and I can't understand myself at all.  I suppose she
+doesn't care what I think of her--good, bad, or indifferent--but I want
+you, at least, to know that I do think her one of the sweetest, most
+modest, girls I ever saw--too reserved and quiet, indeed, if she has a
+flaw!"
+
+Faith's drooped eyes were dancing.  She knew the young man believed
+himself to be speaking to Hope, about herself, and that, to be quite
+fair, she ought to undeceive him at once.  But a spirit of mischief had
+taken possession of her and she felt he deserved some punishment.
+Besides, it is so rare a chance when one can talk oneself over with a
+person who has not learned one's identity!  So she answered brusquely,
+in Hope's own manner,
+
+"I couldn't understand it, either, and it will be hard to make my
+sister listen.  She is a bit inflexible, at times.  If you knew her
+better you could never have hurt her so.  She is not a flirt, by any
+means!"
+
+"I know it!" groaned Allyne, thoroughly shamed and penitent.  "I knew
+it then, but--I may as well own up--it was the champagne."
+
+"More shame to you!" declared Faith with unusual decision.  "That is no
+excuse at all, for if it makes you do and say things to regret later.
+Why don't you simply let it alone?"
+
+He looked at her with a derisive laugh.
+
+"Why don't I?" he began, then catching her earnest expression, checked
+himself.  "That's good logic, I suppose," he added.
+
+"More--it's good sense," she argued.  "I love oranges, for instance,
+but they make me ill.  Do you suppose I go on eating them?  That would
+be too foolish!  Yet men are supposed to have more strength and
+self-control than women."
+
+The attaché drew up a chair and dropped into it, not loth to linger,
+even to be lectured.
+
+"I don't think men have more of such strength though," he said.  "Their
+superiority is physical, not mental."
+
+"They ought to be ashamed to own it!" cried Faith.  "The two should go
+together."
+
+"Well, we are ashamed--_I_ am ashamed!" smiling upon her.  "Yet we are
+willing to give you girls all the credit you like for your decision of
+character, only caring to retain just a little vanity on account of our
+own endurance in other ways.  And you'll have to own there isn't one of
+you who likes a Molly Coddle!"
+
+"Is it being a Molly Coddle to be strong and true to yourself?"
+
+"Oh, well, you put it nicely, but just look at the fellows who will sit
+by and never join in the wine and the fun--aren't they a rather
+feeble-looking set?"
+
+"Is my father feeble?" asked Faith, turning such a sweetly arch and
+tender face upon him that the young man felt his heart thump.
+
+"Well no--hardly!" he laughed.
+
+"Yet he knows enough to leave all liquor alone, and believes himself
+the stronger for it.  And don't you, yourself, feel a bit safer on
+board this steamer, to know he can perfectly control himself?"
+
+Allyne tapped his chair arm and ruminated.
+
+"_He_ certainly is no Molly Coddle!" he observed, finally, with a vivid
+remembrance of the captain's stern visage and curt manner upon a
+certain uncomfortable occasion.  "I think I never looked at the matter
+quite in this light before, Miss Hosmer.  Nearly every one I meet takes
+wine, and I've been disgusted with myself that I couldn't keep my head
+so long as others did when drinking.  It never occurred to me to keep
+my head by not drinking at all!  That's worth considering.  Thank you
+for a kind word and good thought!"
+
+"You are welcome!" smiled the girl rising.  "And I'll leave you to
+digest it while I go and read to Mrs. Blakely."
+
+"Mrs. Blakely!  That old lady with the green goggles?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What, in goodness' name do you find to admire in her?  I thought she
+was a cranky old invalid."
+
+"Well, she is not very young, nor handsome, nor pleasant, and she has
+trouble with her eyes--but that's just why I do read to her.  Now, nice
+strong people with good eyes, and manners--like yourself, for instance,
+don't need such attention.  You can amuse yourselves;" and with a
+laughing glance, and little mocking courtesy, she slipped away.
+
+He looked after her with admiring eyes.
+
+"She hit me there!" he owned inwardly.  "But even her scorn is
+pleasant.  Gad!  I can congratulate myself that she isn't the one I
+insulted.  She would never have forgiven me--that's certain!  As it is,
+this little girl may intercede with her sister and make it easier
+there.  I'm glad I had the sand to speak out, anyhow!"
+
+He had been seated some time, lost in thoughts that could not harm him,
+when Hope came tripping by, intent on finding Dwight, with whom she had
+some scheme on hand, her eyes dancing with fun and expectation.
+Allyne, looking up, thought his _vis-a-vis_ of a short time since was
+back again, the arch, laughing expression with which she had left him
+not yet cold on her face.  "I have thought it all out," he said
+quickly, "and you are right.  I mean to try it, at least."
+
+Hope stopped, with a cold stare of astonishment.
+
+"Try it?" she repeated blankly.
+
+"Yes," his face falling like the barometer before a storm.  "Surely,
+you have not forgotten!  I'll try going without entirely, if you tell
+me to.  It is best, and you are right.  But, if I do, may I not count
+upon your friendship to help me?  And you surely will make it right
+with your sister, also?  Though I may value yours the most, I can never
+feel right until that is straightened out."
+
+Hope saw there was something she did not comprehend, but from former
+experiences concluded she could pretty accurately conjecture what had
+gone before.  In some way this bold offender had seen and talked to
+Faith, won her soft heart to pardon, and was now suing for her own
+forgiveness, with the belief that she and Faith had talked it over, and
+only thus could her full friendship be secured.  She would lead him on
+to fuller confession before committing herself.  It would serve him
+rightly for his insolence!  Because her sister was soft-hearted was no
+reason she should be, and when he offended one he must learn that he
+offended both.
+
+"I don't know that I can make it right with her," she said guardedly.
+"Why should I try?"
+
+"Oh, but you seemed so forgiving a moment since," he urged.  "You
+haven't repented of it so soon, I'm sure."
+
+"I did, did I?" thought Hope, still more puzzled but bound not to show
+it--then aloud, "But girls sometimes change their minds."
+
+"In a half hour?  Then, where is that decision you boast of?  No, if
+you are weak enough to do that, there is no use in my trying."
+
+"Trying what?" wondered Hope, and said vaguely, "The two cases are
+scarcely similar."
+
+"Perhaps not, but how could you consistently call me weak to yield to
+wine, if you are to be helpful and kind one minute, and scornful the
+next?  You said you would help me to win over Miss Faith, and I thought
+you also tacitly promised me help in another way.  Are you going back
+on everything, now?"
+
+"No, indeed!" cried Hope, fully comprehending at last.  ("So he talked
+Faith over, thinking it was I--and she let him think so--sly puss!  I
+didn't believe it was in her!")  Then aloud, "I will do what I can, of
+course, but Faith, though seeming so gentle, has a strain of
+obstinacy--"
+
+"Yes, you hinted at that before."
+
+("Indeed!" laughed the girl inside, "how well she did it!")
+
+"But she is so fond of you, and I long to be friends with both."
+
+"Yes?" interpolated Hope, with an indifferent accent.
+
+"Yes," strongly; "but if I can't have her friendship, I still plead for
+yours.  You can help me--you have helped me already."
+
+"But if she won't listen to me?" queried the girl, keeping her amused
+eyes lowered.
+
+"Then give it up, and I will bear her displeasure; but don't double it
+by adding your own."
+
+"Then, possibly, I had better not say anything--"
+
+"And keep the matter to ourselves?" eagerly.
+
+"Why, y-yes, for the present, at least."
+
+"All right!  I'm willing.  Only you'll ignore me when she's by, I'm
+afraid."
+
+Hope turned suddenly away, almost unable to control her laughter.
+
+"I ought to ignore you always," she said, "but--"
+
+"But you won't, I'm sure!  And, in time, even she will see how I have
+improved, and relent towards me."
+
+"Do you think so?" asked Hope in a smothered tone.
+
+"Indeed I do!  She is too sweet and fine a girl to hold resentment, I'm
+sure.  I'll win her over yet!"
+
+"Well, you might try," said the naughty girl in a tone of doubtful
+assent, "but my sister is not one to be trifled with, and you were wise
+to come to me.  If you ever do speak to her, I wouldn't advise you to
+repeat this conversation--" and, chuckling amusedly, Hope sped on her
+way, leaving Allyne in great contentment of mind.  He looked after her
+with a smile.
+
+"It was lucky I tackled the right one!" he muttered.  "The other is
+lovely; I suppose, but I like a little more force and fire.  In spite
+of their resemblance it's easy enough to tell them apart when one is
+really interested.  Well, I must keep my promise, now, and behave
+myself--that is clear!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+TROPICAL EVENINGS.
+
+Our voyagers thought they had already known something of torrid heat, but
+the next few days was to show that, as yet, they had only begun to
+appreciate it; for there is but one hotter zone on earth than this in
+which the Red Sea lies, and that contains the Persian Gulf and Senegambia.
+
+As they steamed into the Suez Canal, upon leaving uninteresting Port
+Said, every one was brought to the decks by curiosity and interest.  This
+world-renowned ditch, which has revolutionized the commerce and travel of
+the whole earth, begins with much breadth and promise, but soon narrows
+down to a watery roadway, scarcely wider than a city street, where
+meeting vessels cannot pass, except as one hugs the siding, and at night
+the "International" was obliged to "tie up," as the captain expressed it,
+that there need be no danger of collisions.
+
+Its great propelling screw churned the narrow stream into waves that wore
+away the sandy banks on either side, and the cries of the flamingoes,
+storks, and pelicans, inhabiting the marshes, were constantly in the ears
+of the deck loungers.
+
+Dwight, perhaps, was the one who wrested the most fun from the situation,
+for while the rest soon grew weary of the monotony, and lethargic with
+the heat, groaning aloud every time they had to seek the siding in order
+to let some great train of laden boats go by, he found fresh enjoyment in
+every stop, and in blouse and knickerbockers, with bare feet, paddled
+about on the moist banks, making friends with the half-clothed
+camel-drivers, whose patient beasts knelt so obediently to be loaded with
+the silt deposits taken from the bed of the canal, and collecting items
+of interest in regard to this artery of commerce which might have made
+even its founder open his eyes.  The girls profited by his researches,
+and it was, indeed, a common thing for any passenger, when asking
+questions about "De Lessep's Ditch," to hear, "Oh, ask Dwight!  He knows
+it all."
+
+Both here, and on the Red Sea, into which they entered on the third
+morning, the staterooms and cabins, in spite of waving punkahs, were
+almost intolerable, and nobody could get up life enough to do more than
+lounge feebly on the upper decks in their lightest clothing, reading the
+lightest literature.  At night, mattresses were laid on deck, and most of
+the men slept there, while our twin sisters gladly took to their father's
+cabin floor and a folded comforter, with the great windows wide to catch
+every breath of air.
+
+Hemmed in upon these sluggish waters, swept by no wide sea breeze, but
+only by an occasional sluggish puff from the sun-dried deserts of the
+shore, they realized fully what torrid heat means.  This long stretch of
+southern travel is perhaps the most wearisome part of the long journey,
+yet there were sometimes scenes and sights of the dark hours that almost
+compensated.  One night, there was a phosphorescent and electrical
+display that could never be forgotten.  The sultry air was surcharged
+with the magic fluid, which made itself evident in most unexpected ways
+and places.  Points of dull iron about the steamer would suddenly break
+into a soft glow, like an astral lamp silently lighted by unseen hands;
+certain fabrics crackled fiercely at the touch, and soft waves of light
+flitted over exposed surfaces, only half perceived till gone.  The slow
+moving waves of the sea glowed and sparkled in phosphorescent fire, and
+the sky was a constantly changing curtain, upon which were thrown lights
+and shadows, rays and wrinkles of every hue.  Far above, in the deep
+blue-black of the wonderful canopy, blazed the brilliant Southern
+constellations--the Cross gleaming in white splendor midway between
+horizon and zenith.
+
+The girls, grouped with others, watched well into the nights, that were
+too hot for sleep, and in these still, solemn watches small resentments
+were forgotten, and friendships that could not be bounded by an ocean
+voyage, grew apace.
+
+While the younger passengers enjoyed with little care, the older, finding
+deeper significance in Nature's wonders, also watched and waited.  Before
+they had left the Canal, however, Lady Moreham, with Faith's forgotten
+envelope in her pocket, sought Captain Hosmer on one of those breathless
+evenings when he fretted from inaction, and asked abruptly,
+
+"Captain, do you remember Clara?"
+
+"Your sister?  Certainly.  She was a little girl when we were young folks
+together."
+
+"Yes, but only four years younger, after all, and the dearest child!  We
+corresponded for years until--my trouble."
+
+The captain eyed her with an amused smile.
+
+"It seems a little strange to hear you call it that!"
+
+"But what else was it?  The bitterest trouble!"
+
+"So it seems--yes.  But how did you so completely lose sight of your
+family?"
+
+"I stopped writing.  They had no address.  There were only Jane and Clara
+left, and Jane was absorbed in her own family.  I sometimes think Clara
+might have understood and helped me; she was different from the rest and
+so fond of me."
+
+"It was a foolish thing to cut yourself off so thoroughly, my friend."
+
+"You don't need to tell me that--but neither can you ever understand how
+my pride was wounded, and how mortifying it was, after all my boasts of
+the glories in store for us, to have to confess what I was subjected to,
+that I might be fit to live among their high-mightinesses!"
+
+"It certainly was hard, but was it right to let them think that, perhaps,
+you had become too proud to associate with your own family?"
+
+"Oh, I know, I know, it was a horrid thing to do, and I have been well
+punished for it, but I felt, in my resentful shame, that I wanted to fly
+from every one who had ever known me.  It was so belittling--so
+despicable!  Some trials make us nobler, and awaken the sympathy of our
+friends; other excite only ridicule.  Mine were utterly ridiculous and
+common to others though bitter to me.  But I have suffered through my
+pride--oh, how I have suffered!"
+
+"You were always given to exaggerating things Anna--beg pardon!  Lady----"
+
+"No, no, use the old name--I like it!  Aren't you the one friend left me?
+I want no titles from you.  They are worse than nonsense between such
+life-long friends.  And what a 'sounding brass' any title of mine must
+seem to you, anyhow!  But we're wandering from the subject.  My sister
+Clara wrote a peculiar hand, plain, large, and straight up and down, yet
+rather handsome.  I've never seen writing just like it--until a few days
+ago--and after turning the matter over and over to no purpose, I
+concluded to come to you.  An envelope addressed to the Misses Hosmer,
+and postmarked Portsmouth, England was blown along the deck to my side,
+lately, and when I absently picked it up it was, apparently, to see my
+sister's writing before me.  I asked your daughter Faith who wrote that
+address, and she said a lodger of her old nurse's, but could not tell the
+name--had forgotten it.  But she described my sister, Clara Leroy, as
+perfectly as I could.  What does it mean?  More than that, she said she
+and Hope both thought her an American.  Is it possible my own Clara may
+be hunting me up in England?  It seems too good to believe!"
+
+"It is strange!" assented the captain, with some excitement.  "And to
+think my girls have forgotten her name--what a pity!  But they must
+remember it.  I'll set their wits at work.  Your sister!  Why, this is
+like a story."
+
+"It is better than that; it means life and hope to me.  Oh, if I am
+deceiving myself!" sighed the lady.  "That is what has made me hesitate
+about speaking to you--I was so afraid it was only my imagination, and I
+could not bear to think of disappointment.  But the more I study the
+writing the surer I am.  Every time I look at that envelope I feel surer
+and safer!  You don't know how it braces me to bear with Duncan's
+strangeness."
+
+"Why 'strangeness'?  I thought we had agreed that his letters have simply
+been lost, and, if he is in India, he will be as glad to see you as you
+him, didn't we?"
+
+"Oh, if I could be certain of that!"
+
+"I shouldn't allow myself to think anything else."
+
+"It is so easy to talk when it is not our own trouble!"
+
+The captain smiled patiently.
+
+"Did you keep that envelope?"
+
+"Yes.  Faith didn't seem to notice."
+
+"That is right.  And I'll think it over.  We can mail a letter at
+Ismailia, but no answer could reach you until we get to Bombay.  I
+suppose we might wire, but we only stop, there--dear me!  I keep
+forgetting we have no address except Debby's, and she would go all to
+pieces over a telegram.  Do you know whether Clara's still single?"
+
+"No, I don't."
+
+"Sort of a wild-goose chase, at the best!  It will have to be a letter, I
+guess."
+
+"How a small difficulty looms into a fate in a case like this!  I must
+cling to this clue, though, till convinced it is a false one; I cannot
+give it up so lightly."
+
+"Of course not.  And I'll think up something--trust me.  Why don't you
+write yourself, Anna?  Make it a note that would mean something to Clara,
+and nothing to others, and I'll send it to Debby, putting in a line
+myself.  That will be best, and then we need not say anything to the
+girls, as you are so anxious to keep it all from them."
+
+She bent her head in meditation.
+
+"I was, at first, because I did not know them; now I do not so much care.
+They are lovely girls, my friend, and so sensible!  There comes Hope
+now--I recognize her laugh.  Well, help me in this, and you will but
+forge another link in the long chain of favors I owe you.  Good-night!"
+
+"None o' that, now!  I don't keep a log-book on little kindnesses--just
+pass 'em along down the line, say I.  And don't you give up the ship, my
+lady!  That's good sailor-like advice!  Good-night to you, and good luck!"
+
+The proposed plan was carried out, and the double enclosure quietly
+mailed at the Arabic town upon Lake Timseh, which looked so fresh and
+green to the wearied eyes of our friends, after the dismal marshes and
+clayey banks of the canal.  But all beauty has its blemishes, and the
+other name for this lake suggests the blemish on Ismailia's shores.  It
+is "Crocodile Pool," and our young people spent their time mainly in
+watching a couple of these monster saurians as they stolidly followed the
+steamer, through the whole day, eagerly snapping up the refuse of the
+caboose in their great ugly-looking jaws.
+
+Without event, or incident, they steamed through Bab-el-Mandib, by the
+lighthouse on Perim, and eastward across the Gulf of Aden.  As for the
+town of that name, on its northern shore, opinions were divided.  Faith
+shuddered at its desolation, Hope thought it bold and striking, while Mr.
+Lawrence said that, "If Dante had seen it he would have been saved a deal
+of trouble, for he could simply have described its rocky wilds for his
+Inferno!"  All blessed the fresher atmosphere and brisker breezes of the
+Indian Ocean, which, if warm, are bearable, and awoke from the lethargy
+of a sultriness which was like that of an overheated, airless room, to
+life and interest, once more.
+
+It was nearing night, after a day of intense calm, with the mercury close
+upon the century mark, and the passengers, eager for air, crowded the
+upper decks.  The captain stood long, with glass in hand, scanning the
+horizon, and made his dinner a short affair.
+
+"Do you know," said Faith, glancing up at the twilight sky, "there's a
+strange feeling in the atmosphere, to-night?  I can't tell what it is,
+but, though it is so sultry that I can scarcely breathe, at times a cold
+shiver runs down my spine, and I believe it is dread, or fear."
+
+"Goodness!" said Hope, turning to look at her, "you're not going to have
+a fever, are you?"
+
+"I hope not," said Chester Carnegie, with a laugh, "for I've felt the
+same."
+
+"Sympathetic suggestion possibly," mused Mr. Lawrence, with an absent
+air, as he leaned over the guard-rail.
+
+"Well, I feel oppressed, too," observed Bess, looking moodily seawards.
+"I wouldn't wonder if something is brooding over us.  A big storm, or--"
+
+"More sharks," suggested Dwight.
+
+"I always supposed they were under us--that is, the sea kind," put in Mr.
+Allyne, appearing out of the dusk, accompanied by his friend.  "Of course
+there are land sharks, but--"
+
+"Not on this ship!" cried Hope promptly.
+
+"Glad to have my fears relieved," flashing a glance at her.
+
+"And, if you'll let me, I was going to say storm, or pestilence,"
+continued Bess in a resigned tone.
+
+"Well, I stopped worrying over that when my sick man kindly refrained
+from developing smallpox, or ship fever," said Carnegie, sinking down
+upon a cushion between Bess and Faith.  "I was anxious for a day or two,
+though, and so was our surgeon."
+
+"And he is quite well again?" asked Mrs. Vanderhoff.
+
+"Convalescing, thank you.  We consider him entirely out of--Ah! that was
+vivid."
+
+He referred to a flash of lightning that seemed to rend the heavens,
+followed by a terrific report that made the girls cower close together.
+
+"There _is_ going to be a storm," exclaimed Mr. Lawrence, coining close
+to the group.  "I would not wonder if it is a fierce one, too.  There has
+been a strangeness in the air for the past half hour, as the girls have
+remarked.  Shall we go inside?"
+
+"Oh, not yet," said Mrs. Vanderhoff, "What a delicious little breeze!"
+
+She turned to catch it full in the face, and gasped as she pointed to the
+horizon.  At the same instant the lookout sounded a warning, echoed by a
+quick command from the bridge, and instantly all was activity on board.
+Mr. Malcolm, as he hurried past the group, called out,
+
+"Run for the saloon!  It's a cyclone," and there was an immediate
+stampede below, while the Hindu boys ran nimbly about the decks, stowing
+away chairs and furling awnings.
+
+Our girls sought shelter with the rest, in the main saloon, and amid its
+brilliant lights and merry company could scarcely believe in that one
+swift, southward glance at the strange fast-coming gloom, under which the
+waves were beginning to seethe, in the distance.  There had been one
+appalling cloud driving upwards in their very faces, with pall-black
+centers, and edges of cold gray that seemed to curl and writhe like giant
+lips, intense with scorn and rage.
+
+But sound remained to them, if sight was removed.  As they heard the
+shriek of the fierce, whirling blasts, the rush and hiss of astonished
+waves whipped into terrible activity, the creaking of beams and timbers
+suddenly strained to their utmost capacity, the flap and rattle of sails
+furled with lightning rapidity, and, above all else, the increasing roar,
+indescribably awful, that was mingled of electricity set free into wide
+spaces and vapor pent into dire cloud-shapes driven by mighty winds,
+whose form no man can imagine, whose might only God can guess, they grew
+silent and gathered in groups, awestricken and still.
+
+At this intense moment, when even the men looked pallid in the arc-light,
+Dwight suddenly pointed down the saloon, and broke into a hysterical
+giggle that seemed almost blasphemous at such a time.  The next to catch
+it up was Hope, and in an instant the gale of laughter within almost
+equalled the gale of wind without.  For, running nimbly down the long
+room, came a tiny figure.  Sometimes it was on two legs and sometimes on
+three, the fourth extremity being occupied with a small hand-glass, which
+it clutched in its left forepaw.
+
+On its head, set disreputably awry, was a fine flower-laden bonnet, a
+little evening affair, belonging to Mrs. Campbell, and around its neck
+trailed a long sash-ribbon of Laura Windemere's.  Out from the French
+roses of the stylish hat peered the solemn old-man face of Andy, the
+monkey, and he was making as fast for his beloved mistress as three feet
+could carry him.
+
+Evidently the little wretch had broken bounds and helped himself from the
+neighboring staterooms.  Faith, red and confused, made a dive for him,
+and caught off the bonnet, but with a shrill cry he clung to the
+handglass, and ran up to the top of a cabinet, where he calmly wound the
+long ribbon around his swart body, and, after scolding the assembled
+company for a moment or so, proceeded to admire himself in the glass,
+with all the vanity of a Broadway belle.
+
+At just this instant the storm burst with awful fury, and the great ship
+careened until it was impossible to keep one's footing.  Faith, watching
+the mischievous monkey, as she stood in the center of the floor, was
+taken unaware and flung with violence to one side, where she might have
+been cruelly hurt against the hard wall, but for the amazing quickness of
+Chester Carnegie, who flung himself between just in time to save her from
+the blow.  In the instant that he held her thus a blinding glare seemed
+to wrap them in white fire, and with it a crashing peal of thunder
+stunned them into deafness, then all was utter darkness.
+
+For a second it seemed to each that earth and sea stood still, and
+neither quite knew if life were still left to them, but the next instant
+a cry rent the air--a cry frightful enough on land, doubly horrible on
+the wide ocean--the cry of "_Fire!_"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+DANGER.
+
+"Silence!" came in deep tones from the doorway, and before the first
+paralysis of the dread alarm had time to become a panic, the captain's
+irresistible voice caught their attention.  He held a lantern aloft
+and, after just one shriek of terror, the women, mostly prostrate on
+the floor, turned to listen, while the men braced themselves to conquer
+their weakness.
+
+"Silence!" said the captain, steadying himself between the lintels of
+the door, while the great steamer plunged, rolled, and pitched, like a
+thing gone mad.  "The ship has been struck by lightning, and the lights
+put out.  We are in the midst of a cloud charged with electricity, and
+must stand the darkness for a little.  The fire was discovered at once,
+and will soon be subdued.  If we can stand a few seconds of this we
+will be safe.  Keep where you are, and hug the floor, It's the safest
+place, now."
+
+Above the roar of the storm his voice sounded calm and steady, the only
+familiar thing in this swift upheaval.  Poor little Andy, who had been
+clinging by tail and claws to his perch, not even dropping the
+handglass, seemed to think help had come with the man he had grown very
+fond of by this, so he quickly scrambled down and fled to the big
+pocket of Captain Hosmer's reefer, a movement almost unnoted by the man
+in his preoccupation.  For, practised in self-control as he was, our
+brave captain knew this was a crucial instant and it needed all his
+reserve strength to meet it.
+
+They were wrapped in dangers, and all the elements, except earth, were
+warring against them.  The cyclone on the Indian Ocean is a terrible
+destroyer, and the best-built vessel stands little chance of escape
+when meeting its fury.
+
+The group within the radius of his lantern's light were obedient,
+though, and he had a swift vision of Carnegie gently steadying Faith
+into a seat, and another less welcome one of Allyne bracing Hope, who
+was on her knees against the wall.
+
+It was but instantaneous, like every change of that eventful night.
+The next, he had handed the lantern to Mr. Malcolm with a word of
+suggestion, and was off to other duties.  Crash after crash showed how
+the good ship was yielding to the tempest's fury; and the wild tramp of
+excited feet outside, and above, made the huddled women shudder in face
+of the desperate fear that a fire upon the sea always awakens.  But it
+had to be borne in inaction, for to move about in this furious pitching
+and swaying was utterly impossible to the unpractised.
+
+Only low moans and sobs broke the silence which succeeded to this
+tempestuous outburst, till suddenly a shrieking figure came tumbling
+into the room and, with hair unbound and garments disarranged, fairly
+rolled into their midst.
+
+"Oh, save me!  Save me!" she shrieked wildly.  "We're all going to the
+bottom!  We're all burning up!  Save me!"
+
+It was Mrs. Campbell, the dignified, the indifferent.  She had retired
+with a headache, only to be awakened by this crashing, and the cry of
+fire, and she seemed utterly beside herself with terror.  A beautiful
+woman by day, when carefully gowned and controlled, she was a veritable
+hag just now!  It seemed as if terror and dismay let loose her
+unbeautiful soul to dominate her well-kept body.  She looked older, by
+a score of years, and was as unlike her usual elegant self as possible.
+
+Faith shrank a little.
+
+"Oh!" she murmured, "Speak to her, Mr. Carnegie--help her--make her
+keep still.  If we must die, let us go decently, at least."
+
+Almost involuntarily he grasped her hand in appreciation.
+
+"Yes," he returned, "but I could do no good with her.  She does not
+like me.  I do not believe we will be lost.  I trust in your father,
+and in the Father of us all.  Besides, the worst is over.  It is still
+to what it was a moment since."
+
+"But the fire?" she whispered, with a shiver.
+
+"That must be conquered!"  He spoke with decision.  "So far it is only
+among some loose shavings in the carpenter's quarters, and they will
+soon extinguish it.  Do not worry about that."
+
+Meanwhile, Mr. Lawrence had seized the shrieking woman in time to save
+her from a fall, and quickly pressed her back into a nest of pillows on
+a wide divan which, being screwed to position, was a safe resting-place.
+
+"Be silent, madam!" he said authoritatively.  "Hysterics will only
+hinder matters.  The ship is in safe hands, and we can help most by
+keeping still right here, and leaving the officers free to work for us
+outside."  Then, raising his voice, he began in deep tones that
+glorious psalm of faith and trust, which has comforted so many in like
+distress.
+
+"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
+Therefore will we not fear though the earth be removed, and though the
+mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters
+thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the
+swelling thereof.  There is a river, the streams whereof shall make
+glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most
+High.  God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall
+help her and that right early."
+
+As the strong, beautiful words fell from the heights of a soul lifted
+above fear by faith, the cries ceased, and a hush fell upon all.  Then
+Carnegie's young voice joined in and Faith's trembled after, until
+nearly all were repeating, in slow, reverent voices the words of David.
+Even Mrs. Campbell, though cowering and shivering, ceased from louder
+lamentations.
+
+As Hope's voice caught up the Word, Allyne turned and looked into her
+white young face, suffering and terrified, yet self-controlled, then
+secretly clutching a fold of her gown, as she sat on the floor beside
+him in such a position that he could wedge her into a safe corner, he
+too joined in the solemn recitation, thinking inside his perturbed soul,
+
+"If we go down into the deep I will cling to her pure skirts; then if I
+cannot save her life, possibly she can save my soul!"
+
+Evidently, there was need of regenerating grace here; but even his
+puerile thought may prove it had already begun.  A longing for purity
+and salvation, however dully expressed, is a longing for Christ, and
+the hitherto self-satisfied existence of this favored young man was
+being crossed by contrary streams and currents that had changed its
+contented flow, and stirred up deeper soil than had ever, hitherto,
+been reached.
+
+Out of unpromising material--even the dust of the earth--God knew how
+to create man "but little lower than the angels."  Out of a nature
+seemingly given over to selfishness and sensuality he sometimes forges
+lofty souls, which can do and dare for righteousness' sake.
+
+One can scarcely give the details of such an hour as followed that
+fierce storm-burst.  It was soon discovered that the lightning had
+struck in more than one part of the ship, killing one or two animals,
+and setting fires in three places.  Everything was intensely dry after
+the scorching suns of the past week, and the mischief might be great.
+But Captain Hosmer governed his crew more through their respect for him
+as a man than their fear of him as an officer, and not one, in all this
+fright and turmoil, thought of disobeying his voice.  Calm and steady
+himself, he steadied others; having always put responsibility, without
+interference, upon his inferior officers, they now assumed such
+responsibility with an intelligent sense of its meaning, and each stood
+to his place as firmly as the captain, himself.
+
+The fire brigade was promptly at work, by detachments, in all three
+places, with bucket and hose; the engineers, though lightnings played
+fiercely about their ironwork and electrical apparatus, stood manfully
+by, knowing they were looking death in the face, but exemplifying
+Paul's command, "Quit ye like men; be strong."
+
+Even the passengers needed only the restraint of voice and gesture.  No
+threats, nor bars, except for a moment among the steerage people, had
+been necessary.  The discipline was perfect.
+
+After a short space, that could not be measured by the clock so intense
+and strained had it been, there was a lessening of the enveloping
+flashes, instantaneous thunder, and crashing timbers, and, though the
+wind was blowing fiercely and the vessel lurching and shivering beneath
+their feet, they could feel an appreciable lifting of the tension.  The
+worst was over.
+
+But the exciting sounds of the fire fighters did not cease, and the
+whisper ran around that, though one of the outbursts had been subdued,
+the others were in a lower part of the vessel, one especially being
+most difficult to get at, and that the constant sound of chopping, now
+audible since the fiercer snapping of masts and spars had ceased, was
+caused by cutting away certain portions of the woodwork necessary
+before it could be reached by the firemen.  If it should take long to
+reach it, what would be the result?
+
+Mr. Carnegie, at this, started up, and seemed about to go outside, when
+Faith's soft voice arrested him.
+
+"Father wished us all to stay here," she said reproachfully.
+
+He turned back, with a movement full of agonized uncertainty.
+
+"I know," he murmured, "but--"
+
+He stood irresolute, with his perplexed face turning from the outer
+door to her own up-looking eyes.
+
+"And if he needs you he certainly will let you know," she added, with
+some asperity.
+
+He smiled, and reseated himself beside her.
+
+"You are right, as usual, Miss Faith.  He certainly knows--"
+
+"Knows what?" she asked at length, as his sentence remained unfinished.
+
+"Knows that I am here and ready," he returned, with a smile, but she
+noticed that his eyes often sought the door, and his manner was that of
+one alert for action.
+
+The women, who had children asleep in the staterooms, had run to them
+with the first alarm, and these, with the ayahs and babies, now began
+creeping back into the saloon, longing for fellowship in this trying
+hour; while, the first dire shock over, the men of cool thoughtfulness,
+like the Traveler, Mr. Lawrence, Carnegie, and a few others, began
+making all of them as comfortable as possible, forming them into
+compact groups, guarded from the danger of breaking furniture,
+woodwork, and glass, by their own watchfulness, as they made a cordon
+around them.  Many were unable to lift their heads from illness, and
+others went from hysterics into fainting fits.
+
+These required most of the attention of Martha Jordan and her women,
+but Dwight, soon rallying from his first fright, and always both nimble
+and steady of foot, proved of real assistance, fetching and carrying
+equal to Tegeloo, who went through his duties with the calm stoicism of
+the Oriental in the face of death.  After a little, Faith and Hope also
+joined in the "Relief Corps," as he named it, while Bess fought her own
+sickness bravely that she might care for her mother, whose heart action
+was imperfect.  To their great delight the electric lights suddenly
+blazed out again, greatly relieving the distress of the situation, for
+its horrors had been doubled by darkness.  At the same instant the
+captain appeared among them and amid a clamor of questions, requests,
+and suggestions, held up a hand for silence, and called loudly,
+
+"Listen, please!  You have all behaved so well in this trial that I
+want to trust you in full, and ask your further help and forbearance.
+The storm is not over, and the fire is not out, but I believe we shall
+weather both in safety.  In case we cannot extinguish the fires, the
+boats are ready to be lowered at a minute's notice, and all can get
+safely off.  You shall know in time.  Meanwhile, get together whatever
+you most want to save, and I will send you life-preservers to put on.
+Let the men go for the valuables, when possible, and the women all stay
+here.  It is the safest place for them.  There's no occasion for a
+panic, and I don't expect any.  If our staunch old ship can stand the
+strain of these last few minutes so well she isn't going back on us
+now, I'll swear!"
+
+His voice broke a trifle, and he turned to his daughters, who were now
+close together, their arms about each other.
+
+"What shall I send from the cabin to you, girlies?" he whispered.
+"Tegeloo shall bring you your treasures here."
+
+"There's poor Texas, if he isn't killed already," said Hope.
+
+"And Andy," added Faith, when suddenly out popped the monkey's head
+from the reefer pocket, and, looking-glass still in hand, he scrambled
+down into Faith's lap.
+
+"Why--why!" cried the astonished captain, "Was it Andy?  I thought
+something wriggled once or twice, but concluded 'twas only imagination.
+Well, I declare!  Whose glass is that?"
+
+"I don't know, papa.  He had on Mrs. Campbell's dress hat, and
+somebody's sash, but--"
+
+A sudden distraction came in the shape of Janet Windemere, who burst
+into their midst all excitement, followed by Mrs. Windemere, pallid and
+weeping silently, as she wrung her hands in despair.
+
+"Captain--Captain Hosmer!" cried the former in a rasping voice.  "We
+have been robbed!  We've been getting our things together, and our
+money's gone!"
+
+"Robbed?" muttered the captain dazedly, then with indignation he broke
+out, "I don't believe it!  My men are all honest, and have been working
+like Trojans, to the last man-Jack of them.  There's some mistake--you
+must have mislaid it."
+
+"No, we always kept it in mother's dressing-case, but Laura carelessly
+left it open and the whole glass is gone.  It must have been somebody
+that knew, for we never told a soul--"
+
+"Knew what?" asked the man in a resigned tone.  "What has your
+looking-glass and your mother's dressing-case got to do with your
+money, anyhow?  I thought you said that was stolen."
+
+"Of course.  You see, for safety we put our money and letter of credit
+inside the back of the hand-mirror, and--"
+
+He turned and flashed a look from Andy, serenely admiring himself, to
+his daughter.
+
+"Oh, oh!" she cried distressfully, "is this it?"
+
+She tried to snatch the thing from Andy's hand, but he held on with a
+determined clutch and howled, even threatening her with his teeth.  It
+was the prettiest toy he had seen for many a day!
+
+"Yes, that's it.  You wretched little beast!  See!  He's spoiled
+Laura's ribbon too."
+
+"See here, sir!" said the captain indignantly, as he boxed the
+creature's ears.  "You'll have to learn better manners, if you stay
+aboard this craft.  Thieves aren't allowed."
+
+Poor Andy, perforce, yielded to higher authority, and crawled under the
+soft arm of his mistress, crying like a baby, while the captain handed
+the glass to Mrs. Windemere, saying brusquely,
+
+"Better find a new place for your money now, and secure it about your
+person somewhere--you may need it."
+
+"Oh, Captain, are we going to the bottom?" she moaned.
+
+"If I thought we were would I tell you to secure your money?" he
+answered crisply.  Then, turning to his daughters, "I'll send you your
+ulsters and life-preservers--and Texas; but let the trinkets go.  They
+only weight one down, and they look pretty small to-night!  You'll take
+to the boats if the rest do, and then I'll give you my papers."
+
+"Why give them to us, papa?" asked Hope, innocently.
+
+He looked at her with a strange expression, but did not answer.
+Instead, he turned to an officer who had entered and, after one glance,
+said quickly,
+
+"Yes, I'm coming.  Don't speak!" and hurried after him, but as he
+passed Carnegie a look passed between them, and the young officer at
+once arose and followed him outside.
+
+Hope turned to her sister, white to the lips.
+
+"What did he mean, Faith?  Why are we to take those papers?"
+
+"I don't understand--exactly."
+
+"But you think--"
+
+"I think he means to stay by his ship."
+
+Faith spoke low and tremulously.
+
+"To the death?" whispered Hope in awe-stricken accents.
+
+"Yes."
+
+They gazed into each other's eyes, and drew closer.  Hope clutched
+Faith's hand, and the complaining monkey gave a last babyish little
+cry, and snuggled down in the warmth of their nestling forms, his
+sorrows quickly forgotten in slumber.  He was safe so long as his
+mistress held him.  Suddenly a thought came to Faith.  She looked down
+at the mite, then upwards, and her eyes were like radiant stars in her
+pale young face.
+
+"See!" she said, "he feels safe with me, and does not mind the storm;
+father feels safe with his ship; you and I with our father, and all of
+us with God.  It is a chain of safety.  Let's give up worrying and stay
+by papa, trusting in Jesus.  If it is best to save us, He will do so;
+if not, we will go to sleep just this way--together, and in His arms!"
+
+"Yes," assented Hope softly, pressing lovingly to the side of her twin.
+"Yes, all together, and in His arms!"
+
+So mischievous Andy redeemed his naughtiness by teaching a timely
+lesson of peaceful trust.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+LADY MOREHAM SPEAKS.
+
+Tegeloo brought Texas, with the ulsters, and told how he had found the
+bird cowering in its battered cage, which had been tossed headlong into
+the middle of the cabin, where it, fortunately, lodged between the
+bedsteads, being wedged in so closely as to escape further harm.  The
+poor parrot looked sick enough, and was so subdued he came at once to
+Hope's wrist, with none of his usual feints and caprices, nestling up
+to her in a satisfied manner, as he plaintively muttered, "Poor Texas!
+Poor little Texas!" in response to her caresses.
+
+Then, after a little, came a new phrase his mistress had long been
+trying to teach him, but which, with the obstinacy of his kind, he
+would never repeat.  It came very softly now, as he tilted about on her
+white wrist, and cocked his head around with a sidelong, upward glance,
+"_Dear_ Hope!"
+
+"Oh, hear!" she cried delighted.  "Isn't that sweet of him?  Dear
+Texas!  Hope's pretty Texas!  Was he nearly frightened to death in the
+storm?"
+
+She forgot terror and surrounding discomforts for one minute, the next
+her heart stood still, as two sailors entered with a quantity of
+life-preservers, and amid rising clamor and confusion, the passengers
+began their preparations for departure by the boats.  The storm's fury
+seemed to have spent itself, and the fiercer noises outside were no
+longer audible, only that steady chopping--chopping, that no one really
+understood.  Perhaps this only intensified the heart-broken sobbings of
+the women and children, and the occasional groanings of strong men, who
+could no longer control their sense of helpless misery.  Hope, sprang
+to her feet, her nerves giving way at last.  "Oh, this is awful!" she
+muttered, turning her head wildly to left and right, like a creature
+suddenly caged.  "I begin to feel the fire, Faith--don't you?  It is
+stifling me!"
+
+She was on the point of breaking into a hysterical shriek when a hand
+was laid upon her arm, and Lady Moreham said quickly,
+
+"No, my child!  It is only the closeness after a storm; not the fire.
+That is far away, and still smothered between walls in the hold.  It
+may never break out, if they can get at it before it burns through to
+the air.  They are working manfully, and will do everything to save us,
+and your brave father is at their head."
+
+"Oh, if I could see papa!  If I could be sure he is safe!  He never
+thinks of himself where there is danger."
+
+She was trembling all over, and Faith, catching her excitement, pressed
+closer, wide-eyed and shivering.  Lady Moreham saw that, though they
+had been brave as mature women, so far, they were breaking down under
+the strain, unsupported by any older and stronger relative.  The
+atmosphere was enervating here, and emotion is contagious.  Glancing
+quickly around, she formed her resolution, and throwing an arm around
+each, said gently,
+
+"Come!  I have often heard you speak of the library.  We can go there
+and be more quiet, and it will give us a better lookout on the forward
+deck.  Won't you invite me to go there with you?"
+
+"But papa--if he should look for us here?"
+
+"I will send him a message.  Ah, here's Mr. Allyne--have you come to
+tell us something?" for there was a desperate look in the young man's'
+face that startled her.
+
+"No, only--good-by!  They need more help below, and I am going down.
+You have these young ladies in charge, Madam?"
+
+"Yes.  And tell their father he will find the three of us in his own
+cabin when he needs us."  Her eyes, sharp and imperative, questioned
+him--"Is there great danger?"  But she did not speak.
+
+He bowed gravely, and said, as if in response to her request.  "I will
+tell him."  Then, as Hope followed the lady, he gently intercepted her.
+"Please shake hands once more," he said, and with out a word she laid
+her icy palm to his.
+
+He bowed over it respectfully.
+
+"God bless you for the good, pure girl you are!  Good-by."
+
+He hurried out and Hope, dazed and dumb, followed the others.  They
+found the little room, where they had passed so many homelike hours,
+sadly demoralized.  One of the great windows was shivered to splinters,
+and through it projected a heavy spar, now safely wedged from further
+harm, and as they gazed out through the other great panes, it was upon
+a scene of intense desolation.  The deck was quite empty, all the crew
+being busy below, but it was one mass of broken timbers, fallen sails,
+and all the debris of a half-wrecked vessel.  But as the fresh air met
+their faces, it braced them to new courage, and each looked curiously
+about.
+
+Above, the sky was already clearing and the ragged-edged clouds were
+rolling northwards, leaving clear spaces which rapidly enlarged.  The
+sea, black and turbulent, still rolled heavily, but with diminishing
+motion, and its spray made everything damp about them.  Turning on the
+lights, Lady Moreham said briskly, "We must have a blanket, or
+something, to shut out the storm.  Where will I find one?"
+
+"Right in our room--I'll get it," said Faith, feeling safer and better
+already in the home-like place, and soon the open window was well
+covered, the chairs wiped out and drawn close together, and Hope sank
+into one, Texas still clutching her wrist, with a long sigh of
+satisfaction.
+
+"It _seems_ safer here, anyhow!" she murmured.  "If papa could only be
+with us!"
+
+The lady smiled.
+
+"And I was just thinking how glad I was that he is not here, but that I
+could be so certain he was just where he ought to be to insure the
+safety of us all.  How proud you must be of him, tonight!  He is a
+true, brave man, and I am proud to call him my friend.  Did you know we
+were schoolmates together?"
+
+Hope looked up quickly, interested in spite of herself.
+
+"That is it, then?  I felt sure there was something, but he always
+avoided our questions.  Was it when you were a young lady."
+
+"No, a little girl.  We lived in the same neighborhood."
+
+"You did?  Why--but papa lived in America, near Boston."
+
+"So did I."
+
+"Then you _are_ American!" cried the girl, triumphantly.
+
+The lady laughed a little.
+
+"Have you guessed it?  Yes, I was born on a small hill farm in
+Massachusetts, and when a wee child used to trudge, barefooted, across
+our pasture-lot to a little unpainted schoolhouse, on the cross-roads."
+
+"_You_, Lady Moreham?" breathed Faith in amazement.
+
+"Ah, yes, it was I," sighed the lady.  "So memory tells me, at least,
+but I can scarcely believe that the happy, care-free little creature,
+who chased butterflies, and gathered the trailing arbutus in Spring,
+and waded through the gorgeous October leaves in Fall, was my weary
+self."
+
+"And you really liked being--being--"
+
+My lady laughed out at Hope's embarrassment in framing her question.
+
+"Oh!  Didn't I like it?  I had two sisters and a brother.  One sister
+was a baby, and when the rest of us had done our 'stints' for the day,
+we used to take her out with us in her little four-wheeled wagon father
+had made her, and play by the hour--oh, so happily!  I used to play at
+being queen, I remember, and make crowns out of burdock burs, stuck
+together, setting them on very softly over my curls in the coronation
+scene, because they pricked me so.  But in spite of the hurt I would
+persist in wearing them.  I sometimes wonder, is all that we do in
+childhood but a foreshadowing of what is to follow?  My crowns have
+always cut me cruelly, but pride has kept me wearing them."
+
+She drew herself up quickly, as if she had been thinking aloud, and
+added,
+
+"Your grandfather's farm adjoined ours, and your father and I were
+playmates, and great friends.  We were seldom separated till later,
+when I was a strong, rosy-cheeked girl of sixteen and he a strapping
+young lad, with a hankering for the sea.  Well, we went our ways--he to
+sail as cabin-boy in a merchantman, I to journey up to Boston and seek
+service with some nice family."
+
+"Service!" murmured Hope, involuntarily.
+
+"It sounds queer, doesn't it?  Yes, that was what I expected to do, and
+I was proud to be able to help at home, for the little farm was not
+productive, and the 'lien' on it was heavy.  But I did not 'work out,'
+after all--in that way--my sister, who was now married and living in
+Lynn, found a place for me in the factory there.  Like Hannah, I often
+was seen sitting at the window binding shoes."
+
+"Oh!  In Lynn.  No wonder you were so interested when we talked about
+it."
+
+"You noticed, did you, Brighteyes?  Well, there I worked for two years,
+and there I--married."
+
+She stopped as if done with the subject, and the girls, half-forgetful
+of their peril, looked at her in blank disappointment.  It is a long
+step from a dingy shoe-factory in a New England town to a lordly
+country-seat in Old England, and both had fondly hoped to have it
+bridged while this communicative mood was on.  But the lips had closed
+sternly, and Lady Moreham, seemingly quite forgetful of her young
+auditors, was gazing far away.  Faith ventured, at length, to jog her
+consciousness.
+
+"You asked me, once, a good deal about Brookline--were you there too?"
+
+The lady nodded, then turned and looked at her with a quizzical glance.
+
+"Ah, child, never be so curious to hear a sad story!  Every one has
+griefs enough to bear without appropriating other people's.  Yes, we
+did live in Brookline for several happy years--my husband and I.  Our
+home was the porter's lodge of one of those fine places you used to
+admire.  We were both young, hopeful, and strong.  He was well
+educated, but could not endure clerkly confinement, and thought himself
+fortunate to be so well housed and have such healthy work.  He was born
+in England, and we used to laugh together because, in some vague way,
+which we scarcely cared to fully understand, my husband was distantly
+related to the nobility.  That was the phrase--'related to the
+nobility'--how we used to make fun of it, and pretend to trace out the
+connection!  Once, at Christmas, I presented him with a family tree,
+and a peerage-book.  The latter was something I had written up myself,
+and _such_ nonsense, but it made us fun for many weeks.  We could laugh
+at anything in those days.  Duncan really had no more idea of
+inheriting a title and estate at that time than I, a farm-bred girl,
+had myself.  He was a thorough American, who loved his country, and
+because his parents had died and left him alone in the world, he was
+all the more helpful and self-reliant.  How his eyes used to twinkle
+when we sat on our little porch, at evening, as he would say with a
+flourish, 'Yes, this is all well enough, Anna, but wait till you see
+our ancestral halls across the sea!' and then his laugh would ring out
+like the boy he was.  But it is the unexpected that always happens.  If
+we had counted on any such thing--"
+
+"And after all it came true?" broke in Hope eagerly.
+
+"Yes, it came true."  Lady Moreham's voice sank to a sorrowful strain.
+"I shall never forget the day the news came!  We had eaten our little
+supper--just the two of us, for we had no children,--and Duncan, after
+his custom, unfolded his newspaper to read, while I took the dishes
+from the table and washed them at the little white sink near by.  I
+used to hear if there was any news worth the telling, and when he broke
+out excitedly, 'Why, Anna, listen to this!' I only turned silently,
+expecting to hear of some wonderful new invention, for that was a few
+years ago when the marvels of electricity were developing so rapidly,
+and Duncan was deeply interested in them.  Instead, he read an
+advertisement, inserted by a London law firm, where his own name
+appeared with the usual promise that he would hear of something to his
+advantage, if he would write to their address.
+
+"I went over to him and sat on the arm of his chair, as we discussed
+it, full of wonder and conjectures, and more in earnest over the fun of
+it than any possible advantage it might bring--for God knows, we were
+happy enough!  We only wanted to be let alone."
+
+She spoke with extreme bitterness, and the girls looked at her,
+astonished.  It was difficult to believe any one could prefer plain
+comfort in a porter's lodge to a title and estates.
+
+"But you wrote?" questioned Faith, eager to hear the whole.
+
+"Of course.  We were as foolish as all the rest of the world!  We
+thought happiness and gold and honor the three Graces, instead of
+Faith, Hope, and Charity," smiling into the girls' excited faces.
+
+"And isn't happiness?"--began Hope, but she shook her head.
+
+"Not worldly happiness--no.  It is too brief, too treacherous.  If one
+learns to depend upon that, one is doomed to perpetual disappointment.
+I have long understood that contentment is better than what we call
+happiness--much better.  Yes, we wrote, laughing together over the
+possibility that our ancestral home might be seeking us, but believing
+nothing of the kind.  How we did joke over our united efforts at
+composing it!  He was the scholar, but I suggested all sorts of
+long-stilted sentences to him, which he modified to suit himself.  He
+used to think me bright in those days.  When it was signed, addressed,
+and sealed, we looked into each other's eyes.
+
+"'I wonder if we'll ever regret this?' said Duncan, serious for the
+first time.  He was always more grave than I, and used often to curb my
+high spirits--who would think it now?
+
+"'Fiddle-faddle!  Regret a pot of money, or a Queen's commission as
+Field-marshal?' I asked flippantly.
+
+"'Yet the pot of money might not make us really better off, and the
+Queen's commission might take me away from you,' he said, and stooped
+to kiss me.
+
+"I don't know what came over me, then.  A sudden fear seemed to
+contract my heart.  I caught him about the neck, declaring we could not
+be happier than we were.
+
+"'Throw the letter into the fire, Duncan!' I cried.  'It may separate
+us, and I'd rather have you than all the world besides!'  He held me
+close a minute, then laughed a little.
+
+"What geese we are!  How could anything separate us, if we don't let
+it?  You know very well any advantage would cease to be one the minute
+it came between us.  We will send the letter, but we will use our own
+judgment about whatever it brings us.'
+
+"So it was sent, and--what is that?  Tegeloo, what is it? are we to
+take to the boats, after all?  Why are they shouting so?"
+
+She rose, and the girls after her.  Tegeloo, seemingly deprived of
+speech, was motioning wildly at the door leading to the saloon.  They
+dashed past him into the roomful of people cheering, shouting, crying,
+praying, and kissing, in a perfect frenzy of relief.
+
+Some one, with a face far blacker than the Hindu boy's, caught each
+girl by the hand.
+
+"Girlies," cried a well-known voice.  "We are safe--the fire is out!"
+Then turning quickly, "Friends, let's sing 'Old Hundred,'--hearty now!"
+
+The words were scarcely out of his mouth, when, as with one impulse,
+all broke into the grand old measure.  Nobody pitched the tune, nor
+started it--it started itself!  Mrs. Campbell sang it on her knees,
+with streaming eyes and hair, the captain and his daughters sang it
+locked in each other's arms, and the Traveler, seeing Lady Moreham left
+momently alone, clasped her hand in brotherly fashion, and joined his
+fine bass to her uncultivated treble, never thinking of discords.  So
+may the Redeemed some day sing the Doxology in Heavenly courts, safe
+not only from death, but better still, safe from the life we know of
+here!
+
+When the "Amen," had died into silence the captain said, happily,
+
+"Now, good people, get yourselves to bed as quick as you can.  The
+storm is over, the fire is out, and though the poor old girl is so
+battered up she's lost her beauty, her heart's still in the right
+place--her engines are working all right, in spite of the cyclone!  Now
+hustle, every one of you--breakfast won't be served till ten
+o'clock--and Heaven bless and keep us all!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+LAST DAYS TOGETHER.
+
+There was something indescribably disheartening in the looks of the
+dismasted "International" as the twins came forth, refreshed by several
+hours of welcome slumber, after the long agony of the past night.  The
+carpenters were already hard at work cutting away the sad remnants of
+the graceful, tapering mizzen-mast, which had been one of the beauties
+of the comely steamer, and a considerable space had been cleared for
+the passengers over which awnings were stretched; but the approach to
+it was somewhat choked and difficult.
+
+Faith was first to reach the deck, and as she approached, young Allyne
+stepped forward from behind a rubbish heap, and said eagerly,
+
+"I'm glad to see you out, at last!  It's a beautiful morning after the
+storm.  Let me pilot you across these chips to that nice chair."
+
+"Thank you," was Faith's rather stiff response.  But he would not give
+her time to be cool and unfriendly.
+
+"Would you ever believe it could have been so dreadful last night?" he
+rattled on.  "But you were very brave, Miss Hosmer!"
+
+"Was I?" asked Faith, almost overpowered by his friendliness.
+
+"Yes, you and your sister both were, for the matter of that--and by the
+way, how is Texas this morning?"
+
+Faith's eyes began to dance.  She mistrusted he had taken her for her
+sister again and, following his glance, became sure of it; for Hope was
+now approaching, along with Dwight, and the instant Tom Allyne's eyes
+fell upon her he felt intuitively that she was the girl he had been
+really waiting for, and his quick, annoyed glance proved the fact to
+Faith.  She did not feel so chagrined over it as she might, had she
+greatly cared for his liking, and answered briskly,
+
+"You mean Andy, don't you?  Texas is the parrot, and belongs to Hope.
+There she comes now--shall we go to her?"
+
+Nothing loth, Mr. Allyne followed her lead, and, as he stood talking
+with the two, made a closer survey than ever before, resolving that he
+would not make this mistake again.  Had he ever made it before?  The
+question, suddenly occurring to his inner consciousness, rather
+startled him.  He would not mind pouring his thoughts out to Hope, who
+was so frank and jolly, but he felt rather afraid of this other girl,
+whom he had once offended.  Yet, the longer he compared the two, as he
+stood opposite in merry conversation, addressing first one, then the
+other, the more certain he felt that Hope was not the girl in whom he
+had confided a few evenings since.  And if not, what a donkey he had
+made of himself!
+
+He tried to remember just what had passed, and grew silent and
+uncomfortable as he made the effort.  How was it Dwight never mixed the
+two?  He began to feel that keen, observing eyes were pretty good
+things to have.  He should certainly cultivate his own, in future!  As
+this undercurrent of musings reached definite conclusion, he broke out,
+boyishly,
+
+"I'll know you apart after this, or know the reason why!"
+
+"And how?" asked Dwight.
+
+"Well, how do you, my boy?" was the quick counter-question.
+
+Thus caught, the boy flushed and grinned broadly.
+
+"Oh, I don't have to tell," he objected, with a shake of the head.
+
+They all naturally began to insist, however, and he at length yielded,
+with the outburst, "Well, if it makes anybody mad, I can't help it."
+
+"Of course not!" laughed Allyne.  "Personal remarks are bound to make
+somebody mad, but that's just what makes them spicy.  Proceed, young
+man, proceed!"
+
+"Well then," slowly, "just watch the two for a minute, and make them
+laugh--"  Of course, at this, they with the others standing near, did
+break into laughter--"there!  Can't you see?  Hope shows all her teeth,
+and a big dimple in the corner of her mouth; Faith smiles just enough
+to show a little of hers, and there isn't any dimple.  So, when I'm not
+sure, I just say something funny, and if the mouth is big and dimpled,
+I know it's Hope without any mistake.  Now, I knew you'd be mad, but
+what on earth ails Faith?  _She_ looks madder than you do?"
+
+It was a fact.  Hope had drawn herself up, not half pleased to have the
+size of her mouth--which was a sensitive feature--so questioned; but
+Faith had turned entirely away with sudden coolness, miffed because she
+did not look jolly, and display a dimple like the special one, the
+possession of which she had always envied her sister.  It was an
+exhibition of female weakness entirely unexpected by Tom Allyne, and
+for some reason pleased him wonderfully.  He turned from one to the
+other, full of hypocritical glee, though the face he then bent upon
+Dwight was severe in the extreme.
+
+"See here, sir!  Don't you know better than to say such things?  Why,
+you as much as insinuate that one or the other of these young ladies
+has a blemish!  Now that--"
+
+"See here!" broke out poor Dwight, not entirely sure who was most
+abusing him, "who set me up to saying what I did, anyhow?  I think it's
+downright mean for you all to turn on a fellow so!  You all promised
+not to be mad, and now see you!"
+
+"You are right," said Faith, turning quickly.  "I am ashamed of myself
+for minding such a trifle!  But I do sometimes get tired of being
+reminded that Hope is so much nicer and jollier than I."
+
+"And I that Faith is so much more refined and ladylike!" added the
+other.  Then both broke into laughter, Hope's white teeth and deep
+dimple showing plainly, and Faith's half-sad sweetness veiling her
+merriment to a tamer expression.
+
+"It would spoil everything if you were either of you one whit
+different," cried Allyne, with fervor.  "And, Dwight, I want to thank
+you for letting me into your little secret.  I can never be deceived
+again."
+
+"Are you certain of that?" asked Mr. Carnegie, as he joined the group.
+"I wish I could be so sure!  But come, let's drop personalities.  I've
+been sent to ask you to join a reading-club--"
+
+"A reading-club?" shouted everybody.
+
+"Yes.  It is Mrs. Poinsett's hour to read to Lady Moreham, and she
+kindly suggested our joining them.  Would you like to?"
+
+"Lady Moreham?  How wonderful!" murmured Allyne, and the sisters
+exchanged meaning glances.
+
+But Dwight looked dubious.
+
+"I'd rather hear one of Quint's yarns," he remarked, frankly.
+
+Quint was a good-natured sailor, with a broad saber cut on one cheek
+that would have ruined his looks for some, but made him only the more
+interesting to Dwight.  Besides, he had a capacity for reeling off
+yarns, that was irresistible, and even Hope's charms paled before his
+rarer attractions.
+
+The boy now went below to find the man, and the girls started with
+Carnegie for the main saloon.  After a few steps the latter looked back
+over his shoulder, and saw Allyne gazing somewhat moodily after them.
+
+"Aren't you coming?" he asked pleasantly, turning back.
+
+"Am I wanted?" was returned quickly.
+
+"Of course, if you like to go," laughed the young officer, and Allyne
+strode forward.
+
+Their loitering had widened the space between them and the girls, and
+suddenly Tom Allyne began, in a low voice,
+
+"Carnegie, I haven't had an opportunity before, so now I make haste to
+say that I thank you for showing me that a fellow need not be of the
+namby-pamby kind because he lets the stuff alone.  I used to think that
+boys with any spirit must drink and carouse, occasionally, but I've
+learned better now.  I watched you last night."
+
+The other turned with a rapid movement.
+
+"Watched me?"
+
+"Yes, you were cool and brave.  When the captain needed volunteers you
+worked like a Trojan, and never flinched.  And I believe you knew the
+special danger too, as well as----"
+
+"Sh-h!"  Carnegie glanced about with an alarmed air.  "Did you know
+too?"
+
+"I began to suspect soon after we went to work, and a low word of the
+captain to his mate, which I, too, caught, convinced me.  You see, we
+were packed close in there!  It wasn't any too safe."
+
+Chester Carnegie's eyes were upon him.
+
+"And you praise me for bravery when you were there and knew it all?" he
+said.  "I begin to think somebody else is no coward, either, Allyne!"
+
+He held out his hand, and they clasped silently.  Then the latter said,
+in a deprecating tone,
+
+"Personal fear is not my weakness.  I wonder, Carnegie, if these
+passengers will ever know how close that fire came to your consignment
+of ammunition, last night."
+
+"No, never!  How did you suspect my share in the matter?"
+
+"You were the first to offer your services.  You persisted in working
+at a spot from which the rest of us had been warned, and the captain
+allowed it.  I knew there must be method in your madness."
+
+"You were right; it was a personal duty, and I could not have done
+otherwise.  But you had no such motive, Allyne, and yet, understanding
+the danger, as you evidently did, you stood to your work as close to me
+as you could get.  I like a brave man!"
+
+"Well, if it has wiped out old scores, Carnegie--"
+
+"It has.  But come--they are beckoning.  I'll tell you something,
+however.  After it was over, last night, and the captain and I were
+congratulating ourselves, he remarked, with a jerk of his thumb toward
+your grimy self, 'That young man's head is too cool to be muddled up
+with the devil's brew.  I'm sorry about that!'"
+
+The last words were whispered hurriedly, and there was no time to
+respond, but Allyne's face shone as the ladies greeted them, with merry
+reproaches for their laggardness, and soon all were seated, quietly
+listening to Mrs. Poinsett, who was an excellent reader.  Faith was not
+so good a listener, that morning, however.  It was an exquisite day,
+after the storm.  The air was of a crystal purity and delicious
+coolness, the sea, rough enough to attract the gaze, yet not so rough
+as to distract the nerves, and the sky's soft blue was occasionally
+flecked with small, faint cloudlets, that seemed like distant flocks of
+sheep, grazing in heavenly meadows.  Only the battered ship beneath
+them recalled the fury of last night's stormburst.  But as the memory
+of those anxious hours swept over her she looked at Lady Moreham, and
+wondered that she should so have opened her heart in that time of
+waiting, for just now she seemed as stately and unapproachable as ever.
+
+Then, too, it was so tantalizing that her story should have been broken
+off in the middle, and left there.  Would they ever hear its close?  It
+did not seem likely.  Moved out of herself by the nearness of death,
+the titled dame had reverted to childish days, speaking her thoughts
+aloud.  Probably nothing would induce her to speak again.
+
+"However," thought Faith, "father knows and perhaps he'll tell us some
+day, when he gets a minute's leisure--that is, if he can be convinced
+that she would not care.  What an honorable man he is!  We would never
+have known a lisp from his lips."
+
+But it was a busy time with the captain.  Only a day or so out from
+Bombay, now, he was straining every nerve to restore the vessel to
+something like her normal condition before they should enter port, and
+it seemed to his daughters that they could scarcely get a daily
+greeting from him, even, in his intense absorption.  But they could
+wait, for, once on shore, he would have more leisure, as the steamer
+would be laid up for repairs, and the really saddening thought, now,
+was that so soon these friends of a month must all separate, to go
+their various ways.
+
+The Vanderhoff party intended soon to start for Poonah, Mr. Carnegie
+must take his men to Lucknow, the two attachés were to remain for the
+present at the Secretariat, the Windemeres would meet friends at
+Magpore, while the Traveler declared vaguely and laughingly that he
+would be "off to the jungles," in a day or two.  Lady Moreham said
+little of her plans.
+
+"I shall let circumstances govern me," she answered courteously to all
+questions, and no one ventured to interrogate her further.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+OLD TIES AND NEW.
+
+The next two days were glowing, as to weather, and filled with
+intensest life.  There were trunks to pack, loaned articles to hunt up,
+or return, neglected stitches to take, and a vast amount of friendly
+visiting to be crowded in.
+
+On shipboard one fully appreciates the old adage that "Blessings
+brighten as they take their flight."  Even the tiresome become
+interesting when we feel we may never see them again, while the
+hobbies, or crankiness of the singular become entirely bearable, when
+they are about to be lost sight of forever.  As death brings out the
+virtues, and veils the defects, of our friends, so does the nearness
+of, possibly, eternal separation produce the same effect, on shipboard.
+We love those who have become dear to us with an almost clinging
+tenderness, and we grow tolerant to affectionateness even of those not
+specially agreeable.
+
+Faith forgot that Dwight had sometimes been rude and Bess contrary;
+both girls now thoroughly realized that beneath her coolness and
+seeming superiority Lady Moreham carried a crushed and tender heart,
+and Hope knew that she should miss even Mrs. Windemere's pathetic,
+patient little voice.
+
+As they finally steamed by the lighthouse, and fixed eager eyes upon
+the city of their destination, many of these were dimmed with regret
+and sadness.  Even Mrs. Campbell, who had been very quiet of late,
+looked sober as she leaned against the bulwark, handsomer than ever in
+her plain traveling suit of tan, and Carnegie, between Lady Moreham and
+Faith, felt his heart fail him as he thought of the lonely, busy life
+before him for the next two years.  And then?  He turned to the girl
+with a smile that concealed only partially the quiver of his lips.
+
+"Do you know, it is just thirty days since I first saw you, and it is
+difficult to believe that I have not known you always.  I remember, you
+and Miss Hope were standing together, on deck, and I thought how
+marvelously alike you were, but I have never once mistaken one for the
+other--never!"
+
+She glanced up, half timidly.
+
+"I remember you said you should know us apart, but when I told Hope,
+she thought she could deceive you at any time."
+
+"Well, she knows better now!" he returned meaningly.
+
+"Why?  Did she ever try it?"
+
+"Yes, once."  He laughed enjoyably.
+
+"She did.  And she never told me!"
+
+"Certainly not, for she failed entirely.  I thought she would want to
+keep it to herself, so I never betrayed her."
+
+"That was nice of you, Mr. Carnegie!"
+
+"Only commonly decent, it seems to me.  And, you see, I have told now."
+
+"Told what?" asked Hope, approaching, with something very like a scowl
+on her bright face.  "I do wish, Faith, that you'd look better after
+that Andy of yours!  I happened to drop my best veil within his reach,
+and before I could stop him he had torn it to shreds.  Texas doesn't
+act that way."
+
+"You shall have mine," said Faith, promptly.  "Poor Andy!  I can't help
+liking him all the more, because everybody is down on him.  My veil is
+just like yours, dear, so take it, and I'll go without.  I don't care
+much for veils, anyhow, and we can be different in so little a thing as
+that, I'm sure."
+
+Hope gave her an odd look.
+
+"If that was the only thing we are different in!" she said instantly.
+"I'll never be so good as you, no matter how hard I try.  And it's no
+matter about the veil at all!  Do you know, it is exactly a month since
+we left home?  It seems years when I think of Debby and the old
+school-days, yet the hours have seemed to fly sometimes, too."
+
+"That's the odd thing about voyaging," observed the Traveler, as he
+joined them.  "It sends our past out of our minds with its novelties,
+making it seem far away, yet there are few lagging hours, and Time
+never stands still."
+
+"Is that always true?" asked Lady Moreham, turning quickly.  "I have
+not found it so."
+
+He looked at her with a kindly smile.  It had become subtly understood
+among a few that this aristocratic lady had a past, and not a happy
+past.
+
+"I think it as true as any general statement," he responded.  "But I
+can also understand that insistent memories could never take such a
+strong hold of one as during the enforced leisure of long trips by
+land, or water.  It would be a severe punishment for the remorseful, to
+condemn them to a voyage around the Horn in an old-fashioned sailing
+vessel.  I think they would be ready for confession and hanging by the
+time they landed!  But there's compensation in every situation, and the
+unhappy traveler, while remembering too much, perhaps, will also learn
+to readjust himself, and so make the future easier.  Reflection is a
+good thing only when it lights up the future as well as the past."
+
+The lady smiled, with more lightness than was her wont, and let a hand
+drop gently upon the shoulder of the girl beside her.  "With Faith to
+guide?" she asked; then, looking at the other sister, "And Hope to
+cheer?"  Then, more seriously, "It is a good thought, but one that has
+only come to me lately."
+
+A rattle of boyish feet, and Dwight was among them.
+
+"Most there, aren't we?" he cried with boyish eagerness.  Then, growing
+sober, "But what's the reason nice things always have a bad side, too?
+It's just horrid to have to leave you all!  Why, I felt like crying
+even to say good-by to Quint, Huri, and Tegeloo."
+
+"But you're not to start the good-byes up here yet," put in Carnegie,
+hurriedly.  "We shall not really separate for a day or two, and there's
+no use in prolonging the agony."
+
+He spoke with feeling, and a glance passed between the elders.
+
+A moment later, as the young people strolled onwards together, at the
+call of Bess, to watch the state barge of some native prince as it
+sailed slowly by, its dusky crew shouting greetings.  Lady Moreham,
+looking after them, said, slowly,
+
+"How lovely youth is when it is lovely!"
+
+"True, my lady, and there we see it at its best.  Those girls are
+charming, and it need surprise no one if these fine young fellows seek
+them out, and hate to be separated.  Carnegie seems of fine grain, and
+little Miss Faith is as modest as a violet.  She is your favorite, I
+imagine?"
+
+"Oh, I would not say that!  I find myself very much attracted to both,
+but there is something about Faith--a sympathy and tenderness,
+perhaps,--that is soothing when one's heart is sore.  Hope is
+wonderfully entertaining, and brightens you up, but Faith seems to
+understand without telling, and somehow makes you feel happier--more at
+peace with yourself.  I wish they were both my own!"
+
+He let his mild gaze rest upon her.
+
+"Lady Moreham, I am not an inquisitive man, but several times I have
+been on the point of asking you a question."  He could see that she
+shrank, but continued obliviously, "Have you any kinsman by the name of
+Duncan Glendower Moreham, from Kent, England?"
+
+She turned with a gasp, white to the lips.
+
+"Why?" she whispered with an effort, "Why?"
+
+"Because," he returned, not looking at her, "I traveled and hunted with
+him one whole season, two years ago.  I sometimes exchange letters with
+him, and have his address now.  He seemed to me a restless, wretched
+man, trying to drown some mental suffering in physical activity.  He
+gave no title with his name, and, like the rest of us, lived in the
+most absolute simplicity, but I noticed the crest on his linen, and in
+some books.  I knew him to be an English peer."
+
+With a visible effort the woman controlled herself.
+
+"Yes," she said in a voice strange in her own ears, "Yes, I know him.
+Would--would you give me his address?"
+
+He took out a card from his vest pocket, wrote a line or two, and
+handed it to her in silence.  As she read it her face grew almost
+radiant with surprised delight.
+
+"_Here_?" she murmured.  "So near?"
+
+She seemed incapable of further speech, and, seeing it, the gentleman
+said quickly,
+
+"You will pardon my officiousness.  He is here in India, not many miles
+out from Bombay, and I shall see him very soon.  Am I to mention you?
+I might--" he hesitated for the right words--"I could only say the
+pleasantest things of you, and the most general, but I am his friend,
+whom he claims to like and respect.  If I am meddling with what is none
+of my business--"
+
+"No, no, you are all that is helpful and kind!  Let me think--no, I
+won't think--I have thought too much, and sometimes first impulses are
+best.  I will trust you fully.  You have tact, you know the world.  I
+feel that you have guessed out a great deal of what it is hard to bring
+myself to talk about.  But this much I will say--the man you mention
+was--no, is--my husband!  For the rest, go to my good friend, the
+captain; he will tell you all.  Good-by, and thank you from my heart!"
+
+They clasped hands silently--the two strangers whose life-threads had
+been permitted to cross, just now, for some divine purpose, then the
+woman, stirred to the depths, went to her stateroom, and the man stood
+still for a time, looking out to sea.  "Life is a wonder," he mused, "a
+succession of surprises.  When Duncan brought his men to the relief of
+a stranger, set upon and nearly overwhelmed by an angry Chinese mob,
+that day in Muen Yan's district, he did not imagine what might come of
+it to his own advantage.  I felt, from the minute I heard Lady
+Moreham's name, that I had gotten hold of the other end of Duncan's
+mystery, and I have not watched her so closely for nothing, all this
+voyage.  My misguided friend and his over-proud wife will meet more
+happily than they parted, or I am much mistaken.  I must wire him the
+minute I touch land."
+
+Just down the deck the girls were laughing merrily, as Hope, teased
+into it by her sister, who was curious to know why she had failed in
+personating herself, told the story with keen enjoyment of her own
+discomfiture.
+
+"It was away back," she began, "as much as three weeks ago, and Faith
+had been real mean and shut herself up with a book.  In fact, nobody
+seemed real nice and ready for fun, and I couldn't find Dwight to plan
+things, so I sat moping on deck when I saw Mr. Carnegie coming along,
+looking almost as glum as I, and the thought crossed my mind that we
+might mutually cheer each other--and then, like a flash, I determined
+to pretend to be Faith.  I looked up in a sweet, meek way with a
+smile--"
+
+"Like this--" interpolated Carnegie, with a smirk that sent them all
+into convulsions.
+
+"I couldn't look like that if I tried!" indignantly.  "And you mustn't
+interrupt."
+
+"I was only illustrating.  Picture stories always take better with
+children.  But beg pardon!  Go on."
+
+"Humph!  Well, he took my bait with alacrity," giving the young man a
+defiant look, "so I began to talk to him as soon as he had got settled
+in his chair.  I asked him whether he preferred Longfellow, or
+Tennyson," with a laughing glance at her discomfited sister, who had a
+little weakness for displaying her knowledge of poetry.  "I didn't dare
+go into any of those other fellows, like--oh, Keats, say, or--or--well
+any of 'em--but I knew about the 'Building of the Ship,' and there's
+lots of guessing about Browning anyhow, so I thought I might steer
+clear of snags, if I managed well.  Mr. Carnegie seemed ready enough to
+talk about them both, but oh! what a dance he did lead me!  He called
+me Miss Faith, right enough, but when he asked me to repeat again, in
+that charming manner I knew so well, those fine lines from Jean Ingelow
+that I had given him yesterday, I began to tremble.  He seemed
+astonished when I asked vaguely--'What lines?' and remarked that he had
+never supposed me forgetful before.  Then he began talking about Ibsen,
+and I gave up.  'Oh! for goodness' sake, stop!' I cried, 'I'm not Faith
+at all.'  'I knew it,' he said calmly, 'and thought I could soon make
+you own up.  Now, aren't you ashamed of yourself?'  And I was!"
+
+"And yet tried the same game on me!" commented Allyne in a low tone,
+but with reproachful emphasis.
+
+She turned a laughing face upon him.
+
+"Oh, no, that was different.  You deceived yourself.  Would you have me
+go about setting everybody straight?"
+
+"Not at all.  All I ask is that you will set me straight."
+
+"Indeed!" cried Hope, "but that is asking a good deal."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+IN OLD BOMBAY.
+
+"I never expected it to look like this," remarked Faith in a
+dissatisfied tone, as they entered the carriage for their first
+explorations in Bombay, a day or so later.
+
+She spoke to the air, perhaps, but her father answered the comment.
+
+"Isn't it fine enough to please you, daughter?" as he took his seat
+opposite the two girls in a handsome victoria, that would not have
+disgraced the most aristocratic drive in London.
+
+"Fine enough?  It's too fine!" put in Hope with emphasis.  "It's as
+Englishy as Portsmouth itself, so far.  We expected to see coolies, and
+palanquins, and bungalows, and cobras, and--"
+
+"Well, you need not hanker long after the last-named," laughed her
+father, "for there is a snake-charmer this minute, and I don't doubt he
+has a fine collection about him somewhere."
+
+"In his boots, perhaps," suggested Faith slily, as they all turned to
+gaze at the dark-skinned fellow in dingy white turban and loin-cloth,
+who squatted on the sidewalk before one of those high modern buildings
+which had excited Faith's comment, a long pipe at his lips and a basket
+at his side, from which peeped an ugly flat head with darting tongue.
+
+"Ugh!" she shuddered, turning another way, "I don't care for your
+cobras, Hope, and everybody knows that bungalows aren't to be found in
+city streets.  But as for the coolies and palanquins, of course--"
+
+"You have them both!" laughed the captain, pointing down the narrower
+street into which they had just entered.
+
+All laughed with him, while the black bearers trotted by, as suddenly,
+from between the curtains of this box-like carriage, out popped a
+tennis cap, while a well-known voice shouted a boyish "Hello!" as a
+hand was waved in greeting.
+
+"It's Dwight--Hello!  Hello!" Hope shouted back, waving her white
+parasol vigorously.  "Isn't he the greatest boy?"
+
+"I wonder if he'll turn up on that bullock cart, too.  He seems
+omnipresent!" laughed the captain, as they whirled by.  "When are they
+off for Poonah?"
+
+"I suppose to-day, but perhaps not till night," returned Faith.
+
+"Did you ever see anything like that?  If you call this Englishy, Hope."
+
+"No, I don't.  Things are beginning to look quite Indiany, since we
+left those fine new streets, I confess."
+
+They were now slowly threading their way among the teeming crowds of a
+narrow place where it seemed as if the odd-looking houses upon each
+side had emptied all their occupants out before their doors.  Men but
+half-clothed spread out their wares, or plied their trades, in full
+view of all, and children with no clothes at all paddled their bare
+black feet in the gutters, or sat cross-legged, rolling marbles over
+the paving stones.  Presently, Faith pointed with a significant smile,
+and as they drove slowly by a teeming doorway, each gazed with
+astonished curiosity at the characteristic scene.
+
+The central figure was a man in the barber's hands, who was just then
+calmly lathering his customer's face in the full gaze of all, while
+close by a straight, lithe, young Indian woman, with a bright-eyed baby
+sitting astride her hips, stopped to sell the two a handful of figs,
+from the fruit-tray balanced lightly above the gay cotton sari
+confining her dark locks.
+
+"The men seem to have the best time of it here," remarked the girl in
+low tones.  "The idea of that poor girl carrying so much about with
+her.  I should think her baby was enough!"
+
+"Yes, but that is better than being harnessed up with a donkey," said
+her father, bending forward to give the driver some instructions.
+
+Faith looked at him with an astonished gaze.
+
+"I never heard you speak of marriage like that before," she said
+reproachfully.
+
+"Marriage?"  He looked at her with a dazed expression, then broke into
+a hearty laugh.  "So you thought my donkey was a husband?  A queer
+mistake that!  No, I meant the real thing--the four-legged donkey--and
+I literally mean that poor women are often used with donkeys to do the
+same kind of work."
+
+"Shameful!" cried Hope indignantly.
+
+"That is by no means the worst that woman has to bear in this country.
+I thank God my daughters came to a Christian land.  A girl is of little
+account here, except to bear burdens, or wait on her lord and master.
+And when her husband dies she is to be deeply pitied.  Married when but
+a small child, she goes into her husband's family to be cared for by
+his people, until old enough to be his wife in reality.  Sometimes she
+is well treated, sometimes not.  If he does not happen to fancy her as
+she grows older, her lot is little better than that of a slave, and she
+is beaten and abused by the other more favored women.  But this is
+bliss compared with her condition should her husband die.  Then, all
+her ornaments, which she loves as little children love glittering toys,
+are torn off, her head is shaved, she is made to look as hideous as
+possible, and cannot take part in any enjoyments or festivities
+whatever, but must run away and hide from every man, even her nearest
+of kin.  But she is not only barred from every pleasure, but from all
+affection, as well.  Her lord's death is laid at her door, and his
+family take every occasion to load her with reproaches, because if she
+had not been wicked in some other existence he would not have been lost
+to her now.  It is not much wonder that the poor things used to be
+ready to die with him on the funeral pyre, for when they decided to do
+that, they were loaded with jewels and praises, everybody flattered
+them and told them that, because of their devotion, not only the
+husband, but all his relatives, would have better places in Paradise,
+and reign forever.  So, intoxicated with all this notice, and delighted
+with her splendid attire, the benighted little creature, who never gets
+beyond childhood in intellect, felt she would rather have a short life
+and a merry one, and so often committed Suttee."
+
+"And don't they do so now?" asked Hope.
+
+"No, it is abolished by law--British law.
+
+"But they burn their dead yet, don't they?" was Faith's question, as
+she listened with sympathetic shivers.
+
+"Yes.  Some day, when I get time we will go to the Ganges and see some
+of their strange burial ceremonies--that is, if you can stand it,
+daughter."
+
+"Oh yes, but I do think there are some dreadful things in this world,
+papa!"
+
+"True, darling, and there would have been more dreadful, if the blessed
+Son of God had not come to teach us better ways.  Man, left to himself,
+is always a savage.  God and good women, both, have helped him to be
+better."
+
+He spoke reverently, touching the visor of his cap involuntarily.  When
+he thought of good women, memory always recalled the wife he had loved,
+and his soul blessed her memory.
+
+They had now left the new town far behind them, and were slowly passing
+between expressionless house walls, with soiled awnings stretched above
+the lane-like street.  The whole population seemed to live out of
+doors, and the cooking, hammering, tailoring, baby-tending, and
+lounging, was all done at so close range that the horses could scarcely
+keep from stepping on the merchants, and the carriage was in danger of
+making a wreck of his stock of goods.  The houses, which seemed only to
+serve as backgrounds to all this teeming life, were of all colors--red,
+green, orange, and blue--and between the queer, many-shaped roof-tops
+waved the feathery crowns of date trees, the glossy foliage of the fig,
+and the stately fronds of the palm--but these were of scanter growth
+just here, though what there were, swarmed with kites, crows,
+parakeets, and even squirrels, while dogs "by the million," as Hope
+remarked, and cattle, and monkeys, and goats, were on every spot where
+babies and larger children had left an inch of room.
+
+As they penetrated further into the native portion of the city, Captain
+Hosmer called the girls' attention to the many shrines, where some one
+was always standing with clasped hands and bent head, engaged in
+prayers to Parvati, perhaps, or Vishnu--for the image in the shrine
+differed--and to the peculiar reverence which every Hindu shows to the
+cow, a sacred animal to them.  The gentle creature seems actually one
+of the family, possibly prized even more than the children, for it
+furnishes them with food, drink and fuel and receives in return the
+first notice and care.
+
+"The orthodox Hindu will feed his cow before he does himself," said the
+captain.  "And as he does so, he will repeat a little invocation, and
+when he meets one on the road he will touch her sleek side and then his
+own forehead, that so her blessings may be upon his head."
+
+"And let his daughters be treated worse than dogs," breathed Hope in
+deep disgust.
+
+"Father," said Faith with sudden fervor.  "I am ashamed of myself that
+I ever begrudged the little bit of missionary money I used to give at
+Sunday-school.  If I could have realized how much these people need to
+be taught better, I would have given four times as much, and weighted
+it with prayers.  Why, I think it is awful!"
+
+"And yet this land is far advanced in decency and civilization compared
+with many," was the reply.  "With the missionary, the trained nurse,
+and the railroad, India is in a fair way to become thoroughly
+enlightened before a half-century has rolled away.  The trouble is that
+she clings so to her own cherished ideas of caste, and of worship.
+Personally the Hindostanee is a good fellow--gentle, charitable, and a
+loyal friend--but he is so priest-ridden, and so filled with
+superstitions and notions, that it is almost impossible to get any
+sense, far less any Christianity, into his pate.  I have a large
+respect for those who stay here year by year, braving a climate that is
+enough to take all the life out of the strongest, and laboring with
+this prejudiced people, just because it is their duty.  Folks oughtn't
+to begrudge them a few pennies, saved from candy or ribbons, my dear."
+
+"No," said Faith, leaning back and closing her eyes a moment.  "What a
+glare it is!" she murmured wearily.  "The sun is so hot, and the light
+so white and blinding; then the houses are so dreadfully blue and pink,
+and the crows and people so black, and the dogs so greedy, and
+everything so noisy, it makes my head ache!"
+
+"It _is_ wearing, daughter, and one can't stand too much of it at
+once."  He gave another order, and they presently came into a wider
+street, that was almost like a viaduct for shelter, as awnings were
+stretched above it the whole length.  There was scarcely any life here,
+and the high stone walls of wealthy homes shut them in, with only an
+occasional balcony, or latticed window, to break the monotony of their
+blank surfaces.
+
+"Here live the native families of the highest caste," explained the
+captain, "and inside are beautiful courts, with flowers and fountains,
+where they lounge and live, as the lower classes do in the streets.
+But it is cooler here, if not so lively."
+
+"Delicious!" murmured Faith enjoyingly, still resting her eyes where
+there was little to see.
+
+They turned from this shaded way into one of the new streets and, as
+the carriage suddenly stopped with an exclamation from her father, she
+looked up to see Huri, Tegeloo, and a half-dozen other Mohammedans of
+the "International," bowing to the ground before them, their white
+teeth showing in their fine dark faces, full of joy and devotion.  On
+Tegeloo's wrist perched Texas, while a little black head popped up from
+a fold of Huri's mantle, and both bird and monkey began a noisy
+greeting in their own tongues--which meant a vociferous "Hello!" from
+the former and a chuckling cry from the latter.  Warned by past
+experience the girls had left their pets on shipboard, in care of these
+faithful servants, who now were evidently giving them an airing.
+
+"How nice of you, Tegeloo!" cried Hope, stroking the parrot, who
+grunted with satisfaction, and informed her many times that he was
+still, "Poor Texas, pretty Texas!" nipping her finger gently as he
+sidled and snuggled, while Andy leaped to Faith's lap, and was so
+determined to stay that he had to be removed by force, soft-hearted
+Faith looking back at the crying baby with the expression of a mother
+bereft of her child.
+
+"Andy got swell-head!" laughed Huri, as he stroked him into submission,
+"Andy like to ride in big carriage.  He no walk!" at which resentful
+Andy gave him a sounding slap that promptly ended his comments.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+FRIENDS ASHORE.
+
+As the Hosmers returned to the hotel, each noted a handsome carriage
+before the door, with liveried outriders, and while themselves
+alighting young Allyne and his friend, Mr. Donelson, came down the
+steps to reach it, but, seeing our party, made haste to intercept them.
+
+"We've just been to call on you," cried the former, his face radiant at
+the fortunate meeting, "and were about departing utterly crestfallen.
+Do you notice our style?" with a merry glance at the grand equipage.
+
+"Notice it!  It fills all the horizon," laughed Hope, with reddening
+cheeks.  "We supposed that the Governor-General, at the very least, had
+come to bid us welcome, and inquire after our health.  Of course we
+could not admit the idea that he had come here for any other purpose."
+
+"Well, we may not be the Governor-General--who, by the way, might not
+feel like a journey from Calcutta just for a friendly call even upon
+two charming young ladies," observed Mr. Donelson, "but I haven't a
+doubt you'll find us quite as interesting!"
+
+"And a great deal younger," added Allyne suggestively.
+
+"Oh! such conceit," cried Faith, as they bubbled over with laughter.
+
+"And we're much obliged for your valuable information," added Hope,
+rather taken aback at her own blunder.
+
+"About the location of the Residency, or our relative ages?" asked
+Allyne.
+
+"We make no charge for either!" continued Donelson, airily.
+
+"Better come back inside then, gentlemen," proposed the captain.  "It's
+a bit warm here."
+
+But they felt they must get back for dinner, now, though it evidently
+cost Allyne something to decline.
+
+"We will sometime meet again?" he questioned, as he clasped Hope's hand
+and looked beseechingly into her eyes.
+
+"Possibly," she returned, flushing slightly, then with a mischievous
+glance, "But are you certain which of us you are speaking to?  Have you
+learned to distinguish us yet?"
+
+"I have--perfectly!" was the tart response.  "When the rose gives me a
+taste of its thorns it is you; Miss Faith is never sarcastic."
+
+"Indeed!"
+
+"But,"--quickly--"I like thorns!  They give zest to the loveliest rose."
+
+"Come," admonished her father in a dry tone, "this glare and glitter
+will give you a headache.  It isn't healthy."
+
+The girls somewhat slowly followed him in.  The young men rode away.
+In the heart of one was a deadly fear that, by one hour's foolishness,
+he might have forfeited some privileges which had become most precious
+in his sight of late.  The other broke into his musings with a ruthless
+word,
+
+"The captain does not specially favor us, Tom."
+
+"I am sure he treated us politely," was returned with some resentment.
+
+"Yes, too politely.  I wouldn't get foolish in that direction, my boy;
+it won't work."
+
+Tom Allyne did not answer, and his face was sober.  But presently its
+expression lightened.  He recalled what Carnegie had said of the
+captain's comment, after that dreadful night of fire and flood, and
+took courage.
+
+"I've got to prove myself a man first," he told himself, "and it won't
+be an easy thing to do, with my surroundings.  Is she worth it?"  Then,
+as the color flamed into his cheeks, "Heaven help me to be worthy of
+her!  And remember that you are worth saving, or you wouldn't have been
+given this chance, Tom Allyne!"
+
+
+It was late the next afternoon when, trying to keep cool in their shady
+balcony in sheer white gowns of India lawn, another guest was
+announced, and to the surprise of both Mr. Carnegie entered, with the
+Traveler.
+
+"Why, we thought you had gone on!" said Faith, with a flush, doubtless
+produced by the heat, which was great.
+
+"I expected to," returned Carnegie, as the others exchanged greetings,
+the captain appearing in a duck coat and trousers which quite
+transformed him, "but found a day's reprieve awaiting me, which has
+lengthened out, as my men have had to undergo some formalities of
+registration here.  I have been too busy to see you sooner, though it
+was hard to keep away.  I met old Quint on the street to-day, and
+really longed to shake hands with him, just because he was from the
+'International.'  How attached I did get to that dear old steamer!"
+
+"Yes, these attachments to steamers are really wonderful!" observed the
+Traveler with a dry air that sent the captain and Hope off into a peal
+of merriment, while the other young people looked very sheepish.  But
+Carnegie soon rallied.
+
+"I think they are, myself!" he allowed with frankness.  "And I don't
+propose to let the attachment die out in my case, either," he added
+boldly.  "Captain Hosmer, may I write to you and your daughters
+occasionally?"
+
+The captain gave him a keen glance, which presently broadened into a
+smile.
+
+"I shall be happy to hear from you," he said heartily, "but I am not a
+very good correspondent, myself.  I usually get Faith, here, to answer
+my letters.  Of course she may not make them so interesting as I
+should, but, barring a little too much tendency to long words and
+poetical quotations, she does very well.  Yes, indeed, let us hear
+occasionally, Mr. Carnegie.  I shall be interested to learn how you
+succeed in your new work."
+
+Though all were smiling at the captain's raillery, Carnegie turned an
+earnest face upon him.
+
+"I have some idea that I may go back with you.  You will have to be
+here much longer than you had intended, won't you?"
+
+"Considerably longer, yes.  All right, if you can.  The old
+'International' will give you a welcome."
+
+The two callers lingered almost beyond the limits of etiquette, and
+when they separated it was with an "Au revoir" from the young officer.
+
+"I won't say good-by," he declared; "I shall see you again."
+
+It was a day or so later.  The Hosmers had taken the little steam
+launch for a trip to the island of Elephanta, containing the famous
+caves of the same name.  It was a glorious morning, and the short trip
+over the dancing, dazzling waves to the pretty islet, with its steep
+banks and waving palms, was a delightful one.  As they landed, the
+captain pointed out the mangrove swamps, and the rich growth of wild
+indigo and Karunda bushes, while Hope went wild over the splendid
+butterflies, which settled down in showers before them, transforming
+the green bushes into great nosegays of purple, crimson, and orange
+bloom.  Only, these blossoms constantly changed and shifted, with
+feathery, fluttering movements and kaleidoscopic changes.
+
+Birds were many and brilliant, also, and to add to this animal life a
+horde of dark-skinned little Hindu boys started up at every turn,
+clamoring to sell the party all sorts of odd collections, from jungle
+flowers to the gilded wood lice, the name of which condemns them,
+though they are really beautiful insects, until death robs them of
+their glow, and makes them as repulsive as others of their kin.
+
+"Haven't I heard that snakes abound here?" asked Faith timorously, as
+they ascended the stone steps leading up the hill from the swampland
+below.  "Don't they kill a good many every year?"
+
+Her father smiled knowingly, and, as they reached the top, turned to an
+English soldier in charge, and said laughingly, "My daughter, here,
+imagines you keep snakes on hand--the idea!"
+
+The other seemed to find some fun in the remark, and grinned broadly.
+
+"The young ladies need have no fear," he returned politely, as he
+touched his white helmet.
+
+But, as the girls passed on, he detained the Captain with a wink.  "I
+see you know," he whispered, "but don't be worried.  We've just been
+the rounds and killed three, and I don't believe any more will trouble
+us to-day.  Just keep your eyes open, though, for they make the
+ninety-sixth this season.  We'll soon get it up to the century mark;
+but it isn't like it used to be, when four and five hundred made the
+yearly score."  His tone was positively regretful, though he referred
+to the cobra, deadliest of serpents, and the curse of every bright bit
+of glade and forest in India.  It crawls out from its holes in the
+caverns of this island of Elephanta, and, with the miasma just as
+deadly that rises from the swamps, makes any residence upon its
+lovely-seeming hillsides a constant menace.  But where will not people
+stay if prompted by self-interest?  The dwellers on the sides of
+Vesuvius do not lie awake to wait for its eruption, and the dwellers on
+Elephanta do not step any more gingerly in their bare feet because at
+any moment a sting may end their career.
+
+If "Death stalketh abroad at noonday," we always imagine he is on his
+way to some other fireside; ours is not to be invaded.
+
+But the captain needed no warning.  He had seen to it that the girls
+were thickly shod for their tramp, and he himself carried a cane with a
+heavy silver top, while his eyes, trained to close observation, seldom
+missed seeing what they were looking for.  He soon overtook the girls,
+and preceded them down the stone steps into the cavern, upon which most
+of these poisonous reptiles are encountered in that special vicinity.
+
+If one _will_ visit a region devoted to a god whose power is
+represented by a hooded serpent, he should not complain at meeting the
+real thing, occasionally.  Elephanta is dedicated to Shiva, the
+Destroyer, her attributes being imaged in the person of the cobra.
+
+"Ugh!  How gloomy!" muttered Hope, as they descended into the damp,
+cool cavern, keeping close to her father, but letting her roving eyes
+take in the mass of carving on every side.
+
+"What does it all mean, papa?" asked Faith, also drawing closer.
+
+"It is grand, and horrible!"
+
+"Dose be gods," replied the native guide, giving her a reproachful
+look.  "It is one s'rine to deir memory."
+
+"Dear me!  I wouldn't want to remember them," she went on quaintly, not
+noticing his look.  "I am only afraid I shall, in my dreams.  How can
+any people believe that supreme power can take such shapes as these?"
+
+Her father looked thoughtful.
+
+"Yet, after all, it is not so strange.  When I think of the cruel
+forces in nature man had to overcome in early days, with his constant
+terror of the many he could not in the least understand--like
+electricity, or wind, even--and his danger from savage beasts and
+deadly reptiles, is it any wonder he got hold of but one idea,--that of
+power?  It took a Saviour to fully teach him love and salvation.  Even
+the prophets and priests couldn't make him fully understand.  No, I
+don't wonder the ancients tried to propitiate all these harmful forces
+and begged for their mercy--poor wretches!"
+
+As he spoke, in a low tone, they were passing slowly around the gloomy
+place at the heels of the guide, and shudderingly gazing at the hideous
+representations of a barbaric faith which seemed starting out of the
+shadows under the upheld torches.  At first they could scarcely
+separate the crowding figures, so intermingled were they, but
+presently, as their eyes became more accustomed to the weird lights and
+shades, they could separate them into distinct groups and figures.
+
+Before one gigantic, but peculiar form, which is the central one in
+that cavern, they lingered long, while the guide explained that this
+image is an attempt to show how perfectly the highest of their gods,
+Brahma, unites both sexes, in character and personality.  One side
+gives the image of a man, rugged and muscular, the other, that of a
+woman, softly molded, and with long braids of hair.
+
+Into the midst of their still and thoughtful survey broke the noise of
+frivolous talk and laughter, and another party were heard at the
+opening.  They did not at once enter.  They seemed far more occupied in
+making arrangements for some prospective merry-making than in any study
+of these curious relics.  The girls could hear talk of champagne-cup
+and curry, and suddenly a voice sounded which made them look at each
+other.
+
+"That is Mrs. Campbell," said Hope.  "What is she doing here?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+IN ELEPHANTA'S CAVES.
+
+As she spoke some of the party began to descend.  A man's voice, with a
+drawling accent, made some remark about its being "a beastly hole," and
+another, of a heartier bass tone added,
+
+"You've hit it, Campbell.  It is a 'beastly hole,' and the beasts are
+cobras, at your service.  They kill a dozen or so a day, here."
+
+"Heavens!" screamed a woman, "and you expect us to go down to certain
+death there?  How ungallant!"--and amid such laughter and persiflage
+half a dozen men and women descended.
+
+"But really, are there snakes?" asked Mrs. Campbell's languid tones,
+curiously like her husband's, without his coarseness--for this heavy,
+beefy, blear-eyed man was undoubtedly the husband whom she had never
+cared to mention on shipboard.--"You know I am deathly afraid of them.
+I should faint if I saw one."
+
+Her voice showed real agitation, but her husband laughed uproariously.
+Evidently he was under the influence of liquor.  The girls, after one
+glance at him, shrank back into the shadow, hoping they would not be
+recognized by the wife.  For the first time in their acquaintance of
+the woman, they pitied her.  To be that man's daily companion was a
+degradation.
+
+Just as Mrs. Campbell's dainty foot touched the stone floor of the
+cavern, the captain saw a gliding motion in the uncertain light, and,
+with the readiness of the man used to coping with danger, he sprang
+forward and struck at something dark and slender, that might have been
+but a crevice in the uneven floor.  But it was no crevice.  A hissing
+sound issued from the silent, creeping thing, and with shrieks of
+consternation the women fled back up the stairway, while Mr. Campbell
+and the other man leaped to one corner, to get beyond the reach of its
+fangs.
+
+"Stay where you are!" shouted the captain to his daughters.  "I'll
+never let it get away;" and they could hear the whistle of his labored
+breathing, and the loud whacking of his stick, as they cowered behind
+the guide, white with terror.
+
+It was over in a moment, and the reptile, inert and helpless, was
+stretched half-way across the entrance room.  The captain stood upright
+and wiped his forehead.
+
+"Come, girlies," he said, trying to speak cheerily, "let's get out of
+here.  We've seen enough, I guess!"
+
+Nothing loth, they quickly followed him up the steps while the
+trembling men and the guide gathered carefully around the now harmless
+reptile.  Amid the consternation of the ladies above, who had widely
+scattered in their terror, the three were about departing unnoticed,
+when Mrs. Campbell recognized them and called out,
+
+"Is that you, Captain Hosmer--and did you kill that horrid snake.  I
+might have known it!  You have a way of being on hand when you are
+needed."
+
+He lifted his cap, and, as the girls hesitated, she came up to them
+with a really sweet look on her face.
+
+"Don't hurry away, girls!  You don't know how good it seems to see you
+again.  I have been almost homesick ever since we landed.  You know the
+Windemeres have gone on, but I found Mr. Campbell here waiting for me.
+We--"
+
+She was interrupted by a coarse laugh, and her husband appeared,
+ascending the steps.  Turning to him, she said in a dignified tone,
+
+"Rufus, these are Captain Hosmer and his daughters, of the
+'International.'  I want you to meet them, then we will try and
+persuade them to eat tiffin with us, provided we can think of eating
+after such an adventure!"
+
+As she spoke he came fully into view, and suddenly flirted out one hand
+from behind his coat, paying no heed to her remark.  To her horror, she
+saw it was the dead snake he was thus playing with, and, knowing him of
+old, she turned pale.
+
+"Rufus!" she cried warningly, backing up a step.
+
+He gave a tantalizing laugh, and gave the repulsive thing another
+flirt, which brought it near her face.  With a shriek of dismay she
+broke into a run, feeling, as she did so, that she had made a great
+mistake.  He started after her, every step taking them further from the
+group, where she might have had protection from his vicious teasing.
+
+"Stop!" thundered the captain, seeing the woman's wild face, "Stop, or
+you'll do her a mischief," but, laughing so loudly that he could hear
+nothing else, the brute kept on.
+
+Mrs. Campbell, wildly excited, could not keep up this pace long, and as
+she faltered, in hopes to dodge and turn back, he drew nearer and gave
+the snake a fling.  It whizzed about her head, and she gave an awful
+shriek of horror as she felt its slimy folds about her neck.  It was
+too much!  Never a strong woman, and morbidly afraid of these cobras,
+living or dead, she sank down in a faint, just before her amazed
+husband, who nearly stumbled over her inert body.
+
+"Bless us!  If she hasn't fainted," he muttered stupidly, as he bent
+over her, too muddled to understand all he had done.
+
+The captain reached them before he had done more than stupidly gaze at
+her, and unceremoniously flinging him one side, said, "Give her air,
+you brute!  It's lucky for you if you haven't killed her!"
+
+He laid her back on the grass, flinging the snake far away, and the
+excited women gathered around.  Just at this instant the launch sounded
+its summons for departure, and Captain Hosmer knew, if he would meet an
+important engagement at noon, he must not let her sail without him.
+Meanwhile, the drunken husband was bridling and threatening, claiming
+that the man had insulted him--yes, "actually had the audacity to lay
+hands on him, begad!"  The captain did not notice him any more than if
+he had been a puppy snarling at his heels.
+
+"We'll have to go," he said to one of the women, who looked more
+sensible than the rest.  "A little water will revive her, but another
+such fright may be the death of her, with her heart giving out like
+that.  You look after her, and get her home--"  He stopped.  "Poor
+creature!  Where on earth is there a home for her?"  With a stern
+visage he offered an arm to each of his daughters.
+
+"We'll have to hurry, girlies.  We must leave her to her friends.  But
+mind me!  Before I ever let one of you marry a drinking man I'll shut
+you up in the hold of the old 'International,' and batten down the
+hatches!  Do you hear?"
+
+Neither attempted to answer, but Hope looked sober as he helped them
+aboard the launch, which was all steamed up ready for the start.  The
+first person they saw was the Traveler.
+
+"Well met!" he cried gaily, as they shook hands with the cordiality of
+old friends.  "You've been visiting false gods, I see."
+
+"Yes, and where have you strayed from?" returned the captain, trying to
+throw off disagreeable impressions.
+
+The Traveler mentioned a resort further on, at which the launch also
+stopped for passengers, and Hope, rallying a little, remarked,
+
+"It's odd enough!  We supposed almost everybody was going on from
+Bombay, and we would be the only ones left, but they all seem to
+linger, and appear in the most unexpected places."
+
+"That's a way we have in Bombay," laughed the gentleman.  "But I really
+have a good reason--a delay in the preparation of my outfit.  I left my
+card for you this morning, with my final farewell pencilled upon it,
+for I expect to leave before dark.  Meanwhile, have you seen Lady
+Moreham?"
+
+"No, not since we landed.  She is one who has seemed to drop out of
+sight most unaccountably."
+
+"I did not suppose you had, for she and Mrs. Poinsett left very
+hurriedly last night."
+
+"Indeed!  For where?"
+
+"Delhi, at first.  The fact is, she joins her husband there--a friend
+of my own, by the way.  A telegram from him hastened her going, and one
+of my reasons for calling was to give you her adieux, and all sorts of
+kind messages.  I also left a letter from her to the Misses Hosmer at
+your rooms."
+
+"A letter for us--how charming!" cried Faith, while Hope nodded
+vigorously.
+
+But the captain, with a glance at his daughters, said lightly,
+
+"And nothing for me?"
+
+"I think she hoped to see you, Captain, but doubtless her letter
+explains everything.  Did you know the old Madam is dead?"
+
+"No!  You don't say so.  And is that why Lord Duncan--"
+
+The Traveler shook his head.  "I am a good deal in the dark about the
+particulars, but I learned something of the drift of affairs from the
+husband's own lips.  I know he repented deeply of yielding such
+implicit obedience to that proud old woman's wishes.  But she ruled all
+of her kin with a rod of iron.  And to such a nature as Lady Moreham's
+the constant restraint, the sarcastic comments, and the vigilant
+training to which she was subjected, must have been terribly irksome.
+I can at least vaguely understand it, and I have her permission to ask
+you for her side of the affair."
+
+"Yes," assented the captain.  "Well, well I am glad the embargo is
+removed.  It was that separation that the old dame insisted upon, which
+broke her heart.  It was bad enough to be so completely cut off from
+all her own family, but when her husband, himself, consented that she
+should be banished for a season, to be properly molded and made over by
+Mrs. Poinsett, while he traveled in foreign lands, it was the last
+hold.  She never could grip her anchor to any faith in God or man, for
+a time, and I think she hated everybody--at any rate everybody in the
+aristocracy."
+
+"And we thought her proud of her rank!" murmured Faith.  "Do you
+remember that first day when we called her 'a specimen of British
+aristocracy,' Hope?"
+
+"I remember when _I_ did," was the honest answer.  "It was a foolish
+thing to say, and I have regretted it ever since."
+
+"We can never judge with absolute correctness," mused the Traveler,
+with his kindly smile.
+
+"But papa, hasn't she any home relatives left to her--not even a
+sister?" asked Faith, and unconsciously her arm stole about the waist
+of her beloved twin.
+
+"I hope she has," was the answer, as the rugged sailor's face turned
+fondly towards the two.  "I have a notion that her letter will explain
+how, all unconsciously, my little girls have been a link between her
+and her dear old home."
+
+"We?" cried both, "how wonderful!  How could we?  Do tell us!"
+
+"Let the letter tell," said the captain, and the Traveler remarked in a
+reverent tone, as he gazed thoughtfully over the beautiful sheet of
+water,
+
+"We journey side by side, and our lives meet and separate without
+apparent thought, or design.  It is God who writes the completed story,
+and seals the sequel with His own 'AMEN.'"
+
+
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of All Aboard, by Fannie E. Newberry
+
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diff --git a/19001-8.zip b/19001-8.zip
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+++ b/19001.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,7638 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of All Aboard, by Fannie E. Newberry
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: All Aboard
+       A Story for Girls
+
+Author: Fannie E. Newberry
+
+Release Date: August 7, 2006 [EBook #19001]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ALL ABOARD ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Al Haines
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ALL ABOARD
+
+
+A STORY FOR GIRLS
+
+
+
+BY FANNIE E. NEWBERRY
+
+
+_Author of "The Odd One," "Not for Profit," "Bubbles," "Joyce's
+Investments," "Sara a Princess," etc., etc._
+
+
+
+
+  "Our Faith, a star, shone o'er a rocky height;
+  The billows rose, and she was quenched in night."
+
+
+
+
+NEW YORK:
+
+A. L. BURT COMPANY, PUBLISHERS.
+
+
+
+
+COPYRIGHT, 1898.
+
+By A. I. BRADLEY & CO
+
+
+
+
+IN MEMORY
+
+OF A HAPPY VISIT,
+
+LET ME DEDICATE TO YOU, MY COUSINS
+
+H. S. AND W. FASSETT,
+
+THIS LITTLE BOOK
+
+WITH MY AFFECTIONATE REGARDS
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAP.
+
+     I.  Debby has a Caller
+    II.  The Leave-taking
+   III.  New Surroundings
+    IV.  Introductions
+     V.  "On the Bay of Biscay, O!"
+    VI.  Portuguese Towns and Heroes
+   VII.  Kite-flying and Gibraltar
+  VIII.  Nightmare and Gossip
+    IX.  A Game of Gromets
+     X.  Mrs. Windemere's Dinner
+    XI.  A Sunday at Sea
+   XII.  The Story of a Wreck
+  XIII.  Algiers and Andy
+   XIV.  Guesswork
+    XV.  Tropical Evenings
+   XVI.  Danger
+  XVII.  Lady Moreham Speaks
+ XVIII.  Last Days Together
+   XIX.  Old Ties and New
+    XX.  In Old Bombay
+   XXI.  Friends Ashore
+  XXII.  In Elephanta's Caves
+
+
+
+
+"ALL ABOARD!"
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+DEBBY HAS A CALLER.
+
+"And they're twins, you say?"
+
+"Yes'm, two of 'em, and as putty as twin blooms on a stalk, 'm."
+
+The second speaker was a large, corpulent woman, with a voluminous
+white apron tied about her voluminous waist.  She stood deferentially
+before the prospective roomer who had asked the question, to whom she
+was showing the accommodations of her house, with interpolations of a
+private nature, on a subject too near her heart, to-day, to be ignored
+even with strangers.  As she stood nodding her head with an emphasis
+that threatened to dislodge the smart cap with purple ribbons, which
+she had rather hastily assumed when summoned to the door, the caller
+mentally decided that here was a good soul, indeed, but rather
+loquacious to be the sole guardian of two girls "putty as twin blooms."
+
+She, herself, was tall and slender, and wore her rich street costume
+with an easy elegance, as if fine clothing were too much a matter of
+course to excite her interest.  But upon her face were lines which
+showed that, at some time, she had looked long and deeply into the
+hollow eyes of trouble, possibly despair.  Even the smile now curving
+her well-turned lips lacked the joyousness of youth, though in years
+she seemed well on the sunny side of early middle age.  She was
+evidently in no hurry this morning, and finding her possible landlady
+so ready to talk, bent an attentive ear that was most flattering to the
+good creature.
+
+"I knew," she said, sinking into a rattan chair tied up with blue
+ribbons, like an over-dressed baby, "that these rooms had an air which
+suggested youth and beauty.  I don't wonder your heart is sore to lose
+them."
+
+"Ah, it's broke it is, 'm!" the voice breaking in sympathy, "for I've
+looked upon 'em as my own, entirely, and it's nigh to eighteen year,
+now.  Their mother, just a slip of a girl herself, 'm, had only time
+for a long look at her babbies before she begun to sink, and when she
+see, herself, 'twas the end, she whispered, 'Debby'--I was right over
+her, 'm, leaving the babbies to anybody, for little they were to me
+then, beside the dear young mistress--so she says, says she, 'Debby!'
+and I says, very soft-like, 'Yes, Miss Helen,'--'cause, mind you, I'd
+been her maid afore she was merrit at all, and I allays forgot when I
+wasn't thinkin', and give her the old name--and I says, 'Yes, Miss
+Helen?'  And then she smiles up at me just as bright as on her wellest
+days, 'm, and says, 'Call 'em Faith and Hope,' Debby; that's what they
+would be to me if--and not rightly onderstandin' of her, I breaks in,
+'Faith and Hope?  Call _what_ faith and hope?'  For, thinkses I, 'she
+may be luny with the fever.'  But no, she says faint-like, but clear
+and sound as a bell, 'Call my babies so.  Let their names be Faith and
+Hope, and when their poor father comes home, say it was my wish, and he
+must not grieve too much, for he will have Faith and Hope always with
+him.'  And then the poor dear sinks off again and never rightly comes
+to, till she's clean gone."
+
+"And their father was on a voyage, then?"
+
+"Yes 'm, second mate of the 'International.'  He's cap'n now, 'm, with
+an interest in the steamship, and they do say they ain't many that's so
+dreadfully much finer in the big P. & O. lines--leastwise so I've heerd
+tell, 'm, and I guess they ain't no mistake about it, nuther."
+
+"And you have mothered his babies all these years?"
+
+"I have, 'm, yes.  In course when it come time for their schoolin' I
+had to let 'em go.  'Twas then Cap'n Hosmer was going to give up this
+house, 'cause 'twa'n't no use a-keepin' it while they was off, but thet
+made me put my wits to work, and I planned a plan as I ain't seen fit
+to find no fault with to this day.  I ups and merries John Gunter,
+what's been a-hangin' around a year or more, and I says, 'We'll take
+the house off your hands, Cap'n.  I've made up a notion to keep
+lodgers, and then that'll give my girls a place to come to, and git fed
+up, a holidays--don't you see, sir?  And at that he laughs and says,
+says he--for he's a man what's sound and sweet clear through, like a
+hard cabbage, 'm, no rotten nowhere--and he says: 'A good plan, Debby,
+and I'll rent your two best rooms for my daughters now, and pay a year
+in advance,' and so 'twas done, 'm.  And so's went the last five year,
+them a-coming and going, jest like the sunshine in Aprile, but now--"
+
+Again the always husky voice broke, and the white apron was turned into
+a handkerchief for the nonce.
+
+"Now you are going to lose them, you say?"
+
+"Yes'm.  They're to ship with their father for the long cruise--that
+is, I s'pose I oughter say they're a-goin with him on the long v'yage
+to Ingy."
+
+"I presume he gets lonely for them too, poor man!"
+
+"In course he do, 'm--I sees thet plain--and I can't really say a word,
+only--hist!  I believes it's 'em, now.  If that ain't my Miss Hope's
+rush through the hall then I'll--"
+
+An unmistakable breeze and clatter, in which fresh young voices could
+be plainly heard, sounded without, and, as both women faced the door,
+it was flung somewhat violently open, and a young creature appeared in
+its frame who seemed the incarnation of joy and brightness.
+Involuntarily the lady murmured "Hope!" for the young girl's great
+brown eyes were alight with fun, and her red-brown hair seemed to laugh
+sympathetically in every curly lock and tangle, while her parted lips
+showed teeth like bits of alabaster polished to splendor.
+
+She had scarcely entered when there seemed to be two of her, for her
+sister, close behind, was so perfect a counterpart that no one, unless
+a keen observer, could detect a difference.  The stranger was a keen
+observer and noticed that, while eyes, teeth, hair, and rich complexion
+were identical, also the height and build, the expression was quite
+different.  Where the first-comer was alert, bird-like, and possibly
+inclining to sharpness, the second was more dreamy, peaceful, and slow.
+She had called the one "Hope," and saw, with quick pleasure, that she
+was right, for as the girl stopped suddenly, abashed at finding a
+stranger in the room, Mrs. Gunter said apologetically--
+
+"I was jest takin' this lady through, Miss Hope.  She thowt as she
+might be a-wantin' of these after you an' Miss Faith was a-gone, maybe.
+Mrs. Rollston it is."
+
+Each young girl acknowledged the introduction with a pleasant little
+nod, and a murmured, "Happy to meet you, Mrs. Rollston," so precisely
+similar in voice and manner that she could not help an amused smile;
+yet, even here she could detect that same subtle difference in the
+expression.  Hope's nod was accompanied by a blithe glance, keen, yet
+inviting, Faith's with a softly-inquiring, yet half-indifferent look,
+as if some undercurrent of thought were still unstirred.  She felt that
+Hope appropriated her friendliness as a matter of course, while Faith,
+though not repelling it, maintained a fine reserve which might, or
+might not, vanish like hoar-frost in the first sun-ray of affection.
+She said gently, "Your kind Mrs. Gunter has been telling me something
+of your plans.  It takes a great deal out of a house when young people
+leave it."
+
+"Dear old Deb!  She doesn't realize what a lot of care it will take off
+her shoulders, though," cried Hope, quickly.  "It will give her hours
+and hours for Gyp and the lodgers.  You see,"--laughing and dimpling
+till Mrs. Rollston longed to kiss her,--"I put the dog first."
+
+"Which does not hurt my feelings yet, whatever it may do later,"
+returned that lady in kind.  "And when do you sail, may I ask?"
+
+"To-morrow morning.  I'm so glad we're to start by daylight.  We're
+going to take Debby out, and send her back in the pilot boat, aren't
+we, Faith?"
+
+"You nearly promised, you know, Debby," put in the one addressed,
+seeing dissent in her eye.
+
+"But not quite, honey.  I allays feels it's a temptin' of Proverdance
+for such a shaped woman as I be to set foot on things what goes
+a-rockin' around on the water.  I like to feel good solid earth under
+them feet!" and she peered quizzically over her round person at her
+huge carpet slippers, and shook her head with a chuckle of amusement.
+"I've watched them frisky little steam critters 'fore now, and they're
+most dujeous like to a babby jest a-larnin' to walk, or a tipsy man
+a-tryin' to steer straight when he sees double.  No, thankee kindly,
+but I guess I'll say good-by ashore, where I can cry it out comfortable
+after you're gone."
+
+"Foolish old Debby!" laughed Hope, while Faith looked with a sweet
+regret at her dear old nurse, but did not speak.
+
+"Do you know," said the stranger, who was about leaving, her business
+having been long finished, "I am wondering how it happened that these
+names were bestowed just as they are.  Can you tell me, Mrs. Gunter?
+It would seem as if the babies must have shown their dispositions when
+very young--or was it a happy chance?"
+
+Deborah laughed with unction.  It was a story she was fond of telling.
+They had just descended the stairs and she opened a door into a
+snug-looking sitting-room off the hall as she said--
+
+"Well, jest set you down again for a minute, 'm, if you please, and
+I'll tell you.  I ain't good for much at standin' long--too many pounds
+to hold up.  Here, 'm, this is the best chair--now I'll tell ye.  Fact
+is, I was in a real pupplex over them names for a time.  First, I was
+a-goin' to wait till their fayther got home, but they kept a-growin' so
+fast thet it didn't seem right not to have 'em named.  I was real
+worrited for a spell till, all at once, I found out that they was
+named--yes, and I'd done it myself!  'Twas like this: When they'd begin
+to be a stir in the crib, and I was right busy, I'd say to my shadder,
+'I hope it isn't this one, 'cause she wouldn't keep still a blessed
+minute'; or I'd say, 'I've faith to b'lieve it's that one, for she'll
+coo and play with her toes till I gets ready.'  'Twas allays jest
+so--'I hope,' or 'I've faith,' every time.  And soon as it come to me,
+why, I jest named the obstreperous one Hope and the quiet one
+Faith--don't you see?"
+
+"I do.  It was bright of you, too.  It really means that the names came
+by nature, so fit like a glove, of course.  But I must be off at once.
+Thank you for a pleasant morning, Mrs. Gunter!  I will bring my husband
+around to-morrow for his approval, if he can spare the time.  At any
+rate, I think I am not too hasty in saying we will take the rooms.  We
+will, if you please, pay by the week in advance, as he is only here on
+business, and our departure may, necessarily, be sudden.  Good-morning."
+
+She departed, followed by the smiles and curtesies of Mrs. Gunter, but
+not till the latter had found time to whisper huskily, "Aren't they
+sweet girls, 'm, and do you wonder it breaks me in pieces to lose 'm?"
+to which she responded heartily,
+
+"Indeed, I can fully understand your grief.  They are delightful, and
+singularly alike.  If I were to describe each in a word, I should say
+Hope is radiant, Faith lovely, and both are charming!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE LEAVE-TAKING.
+
+There were lively times in the Portsea lodging-house, next morning.
+The many last small tasks that crowd upon the out-going voyager had
+kept even Hope too busy to talk much, and she at length stopped
+breathlessly, to cry, as she jammed her dressing-sacque and tooth-brush
+into an already over-crowded bag,
+
+"Dear me!  Faith, have you a spot for my hair-brush?  It won't fold up
+nor crush down, and this crocodile is just gorged.  I don't know that I
+can ever snap his jaws to in the world!"
+
+Faith looked and smiled an assent.
+
+"Toss it over!  If your alligator-grip is full I can find room in this
+telescope, but I hope it won't break my scent bottle."
+
+"Oh, alligator--yes, but what's the difference?  The creatures look
+alike in the pictures, I'm sure.  That's a darling!  Now, if I can ever
+find the eye for this hook--oh, thank you!  How calm you are.  Why, my
+hands fairly shake with nervousness.  Now I believe I'm ready."
+
+"I too," returned Faith, taking up her gloves and smiling at Deborah,
+who just then opened the door, displaying eyes swollen with weeping and
+cap awry, and who observed sobbingly,
+
+"The new lady--Mrs. Rollston--is below, and asked if you was gone.  I
+thowt as likely she was a-wantin' to see you again, if you don't mind,
+though she didn't really ask for you.  Will you be pleased to come
+down?"
+
+"Yes indeed!" cried Hope.  "Where _did_ I put that umbrella?  Oh, I
+remember!  It's tied to the steamer trunk.  We may as well take our
+luggage all down, as we go so soon."
+
+"Yes," said Faith, who had already lifted the telescope and a linen
+rug-holder, embroidered with her initials, and calmly sailed out, while
+Hope buzzed aimlessly about, picking up sundry small belongings, during
+which time Debby shouldered her heavier packages and followed.  The
+girls allowed no dissimilarity in their costumes, to the smallest
+detail, but for convenience' sake had selected their traps and luggage
+as unlike as possible.  When Hope reached the drawing-room Mrs.
+Rollston was making to Faith a half-apology for her early visit.
+
+"I knew, if I could time my call exactly right, I would not bother you.
+There is always a breathing-space while waiting for the cab, and--"
+
+"And you have exactly hit it!" broke in Hope, coming forward to give
+her greeting, as Faith turned away.  "We are pleased to meet you again."
+
+"Thank you.  I find myself, in my idle time here, waiting upon my
+husband's business, taking more interest than is perhaps strictly
+allowable in you both.  Can you pardon me?"
+
+"Freely," said Faith, "and we return it.  Hope and I had a smart
+discussion over you, last night.  She says you are an American."
+
+"Does she?" turning swiftly to the sister.  "What makes you think so,
+Miss Hope?"
+
+"Your manner, your dress, and your accent," was the prompt reply though
+the girl flushed a little in embarrassment.
+
+"But how do you young English girls so well understand these points of
+difference when--"
+
+"Oh, but we're not English girls!" cried Hope.
+
+"That is, not entirely," qualified Faith.  "Our mother was English--"
+
+"But our father's American!" Hope finished the sentence with a
+triumphant air, and her visitor laughed.
+
+"You seem proud of it, too," she said.
+
+"I am.  Faith does not care so much, but I'm very glad it is so.  We
+went across with father and Debby once, and stayed a year.  It was such
+a pleasant time!  Father's people live in an old town they call
+Lynn--such a pretty, shady place, with a drowsy air that wakes into
+real life two or three times a day, when the factory people stream
+through the streets--for you see they make shoes there."
+
+"Do they?" asked the lady with a peculiar smile, as if this were not
+great news to her.
+
+"Yes.  Uncle Albert's house, where we lived, was almost hidden beneath
+great elm trees, and he and Aunt Clarice were so good to us."
+
+"And we kept bees," put in Faith, looking exactly like her twin in her
+sudden animation.  "I used to help uncle swarm them myself."
+
+"And we went down to Boston every few weeks," Hope crowded in again,
+"and that was fine.  I love Boston.  Its narrow, crooked streets make
+me think of our own Portsmouth, here, but with a difference.  And oh!
+the gardens, and the Common, and the Museum--"
+
+"The cab's at the dure," announced Debby in an abused voice, feeling
+that this lively talk was scarce seemly in view of the near separation
+to follow.  Debby cherished grief, and felt it a Christian duty to make
+much of it, perhaps because her sunny nature would of itself throw it
+off too lightly.
+
+At her word all was quickly changed.  The two girls forgot the strange
+woman to hug the dear old nurse, and finally were escorted by both to
+the cab door, Hope crying heartily, Faith showing only misty eyes and
+quivering lips, but looking paler than her sister.
+
+It had been arranged that Captain Hosmer, whose business had kept him
+with his steamer overnight, should meet his daughters at the pier, and
+the cabman had his directions, so whipped up and was off without delay,
+leaving poor Debby almost a senseless heap upon the door-step--an
+old-fashioned green door on a retired street in the more ancient part
+of the suburb--while Mrs. Rollston, in some dismay, bent over her.
+
+But before the house disappeared from view Faith's straining eyes saw
+the two slowly mounting the steps together and turned in great content
+to say, "I'm glad that friendly lady is to be at Debby's.  She has just
+helped the poor dear up the steps as kindly as possible.  Poor Debby!
+She will miss us."
+
+"Yes."  Hope's quick tears were already somewhat stayed, and she now
+looked brightly out, as they clattered across the bridge into the town
+of Portsmouth proper and began to circle swiftly through the narrow
+streets.
+
+"But she will feel better in a day or two.  And oh! Faith, I can't help
+being glad that we are going, can you?  We leave Debby, but we go with
+father, and such a fine voyage is enough to make any one happy.  Ought
+we to feel all sorry?"
+
+"No, indeed!  Why should we?  As you say, we are to go with our father.
+That alone is a great delight."
+
+"And, by the way, that lady never told us whether she was American, or
+not, did she?"
+
+"Sure enough!  Well, we may never see her again, so what does it
+matter?  I hope we will, though, for I liked her."
+
+"And so did I," was Hope's emphatic rejoinder.
+
+Captain Hosmer opened the cab door for them himself, and gave them the
+gaze of wondering approval which he reserved for these fair daughters.
+To him their growth, development, and beauty seemed something magical,
+incomprehensible.  He had left them in the lank, homely, tooth-shedding
+period, at the time he placed them in school, and when he returned to
+see them graduated, here were two blooming maidens on the very
+borderland of charming womanhood.  The usual love and pride of a father
+was in him a rapture made up of the love given to his very own, and
+also of the admiration that a man, little thrown among women, is apt to
+feel for those of his fireside.  Then, too, these were the relics of a
+wife most fondly cherished, and he constantly saw in them traits and
+expressions which brought her to mind, and filled his heart with
+tenderness.
+
+They, in turn, fairly adored the tall, brawny man, whose whole bearing
+bespoke self-restraint, and the calm exercise of authority, and if his
+attitude towards them was both chivalrous and tender, theirs to him was
+fondly admiring and respectful.
+
+"I've been waiting for you ten minutes," he said, flinging his cigar
+away.  Then he beckoned to a sailor who, cap in hand, stood by, and
+giving him a low order, led the girls off at a brisk pace, saying,
+"Jack will see to your luggage; I've something to show you before we
+leave."
+
+With one on either arm he walked them rapidly among the bales, boxes,
+cordage, wagons, lumber, and people crowding the wharf, then turned
+abruptly townwards, entered a short, lane-like street, and finally
+stopped at a low, quaint-looking old shop, leaning in a tired manner
+against a larger building beyond, thus throwing its doors and windows
+into such oblique angles that Hope declared it made her feel dizzy.  A
+little dark man--doubtless to match the little dark house--bowed with
+much suavity in the doorway, as if expecting them, and the captain at
+once addressed him.
+
+"Here we are, Beppo!  Bring them along, and be quick about it."  But,
+though his words were commanding, his eyes twinkled at the man, who,
+ducking his black head once more, disappeared within.
+
+The girls peered into the doorway, from which issued a by-no-means
+agreeable odor, and their father asked, laughingly.
+
+"Shall we go in?"
+
+"I think not," said Faith, holding her handkerchief to her dainty
+little nose, "but what are those queer--why!"  She jumped and caught at
+her father, for some one had seemed to ask in a gruff voice, right at
+her ear, "What d'ye want?"
+
+Her father laughed outright.
+
+"Scared you, eh?  Look out, Hope!" for the latter had stepped inside.
+
+She answered merrily.
+
+"Oh, Faith, come!  What you heard was a parrot.  And there are a lot of
+birds--oh! and cats--such queer ones.  Do come and see."
+
+But at this minute, from some inner apartment Beppo reappeared, a cage
+in either hand.  In one perched a parrot of gorgeous plumage, in the
+other crouched a beautiful Angora cat, large and tawny, its great brush
+of a tail curled disconsolately about its ears.
+
+"What a lovely kitten!" cried Faith, "and so frightened.  Poor, poor
+Pussy!"
+
+"And such a saucy parrot!" chimed in Hope.  "Isn't it handsome, though?"
+
+"He talka--oh, mocha he talka," observed Beppo, holding the cages on
+high with a prideful air.  "An' he pussa ver' fine, yes."
+
+"Well, girls, which do you like the better?" said the captain.  "I know
+it's the thing to give presents to out-going travelers, and I want to
+do everything shipshape.  But flowers are a nuisance the second day
+out, and fruit a drug, so I thought a pet was the thing.  It's only to
+decide which it shall be."
+
+"Oh, if we can't have both, do let's take the parrot; don't you say so,
+Faith?"
+
+"Why, if you wish it, of course, dear, but"--her gaze rested
+lingeringly upon the other cage.
+
+"But you want the Persian cat, I see, daughter," put in the captain.
+"Well, well, let's have both, Beppo.  We'll find some place to stow
+'em, no doubt.  Have you somebody by to carry them to the steamer?"
+
+"Me go," cried the man, grinning broadly in delight over this trade,
+"me vife she stay--me go."
+
+"But couldn't I carry the poor kitten in my arms, she seems to feel
+being a prisoner so?" asked Faith, distressed for the pet she loved
+already.
+
+"He might scratch you," said the captain, but Beppo shook his head.
+
+"Noa, noa, he gooda; but he getta waya.  Dis safa.  Betta go cagea."
+
+"Drat the cage!" shouted a hoarse voice, and Faith nearly fell over
+backwards, while Hope danced up and down in merry laughter.
+
+"It's my parrot!  Oh, father, _does_ he swear?  What will we do with
+him?"
+
+The captain was silently shaking with merriment, but drew himself
+together and turned sternly to the man.  "Beppo, you declared that was
+a refined, clean-talking bird--now, didn't you?  I told you it was for
+a young lady."
+
+The man's face fell and he broke into profuse apologies, which grew
+more unintelligible as they increased in vehemence.  Out of it all they
+managed to gather that this was the parrot's worst expression, and only
+lately learned of a "badda carpentiera," who had found difficulty in
+fashioning the wooden cage he was making, and had used "badda wodda" in
+consequence.  Hope could scarcely wait till he had finished to cry,
+anxiously,
+
+"But, father, it isn't a real swear-word, now, is it?  And anyhow we
+can teach him to do better.  Do, _do_ let me have him!"
+
+Her father gave her a merry glance.
+
+"They say some women really like to hear a man use strong
+expressions--now, it can't be you are like that--or is it that you want
+somebody to reform, eh?  However, if you can stand it I can--sailors
+have to get used to such things.  I can't say I've ever found it really
+necessary to swear though, as some of them maintain.  I can do a
+considerable amount of ordering in the worst storm going, and remember
+to rule my tongue as well as my crew.  In fact, I won't have anything
+of the kind aboard, so, my dear, if your bird begins by breaking my
+rules, what then?"
+
+"I shall teach him better.  Parrots say what they are taught, and if he
+does not hear it, he won't talk it."
+
+"Well, then, if you'll take him in hand--come on, Beppo, we must be
+moving," and the little procession began its march.
+
+Faith drew a long breath of relief.
+
+"Well," she remarked, with a dainty lifting of the brows that always
+made the captain think of his girl-wife, so long lost to him, "I'm
+decidedly grateful that my cat cannot talk.  He won't be able to
+disgrace us, at least."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+NEW SURROUNDINGS.
+
+"Oh, Hope, I wish they wouldn't!  Doesn't it seem too hard?  Those poor
+mothers and sisters--"
+
+"And sweethearts," added Hope under her breath, watching with great
+eyes.  "I don't mind so much those that make so much noise about it,
+like that big woman by the post, but this little group over here; they
+do feel awfully, and my heart aches for them."
+
+The girls were standing on the deck of the "International," watching
+the last adieux on shore.  A small squad of British soldiery were about
+embarking, and the home friends were gathered on the wharf, waiting for
+a last glimpse of their beloved boys.  The "big woman" Hope mentioned
+had made such violent demonstrations, insisting upon following her
+red-cheeked son about and weeping on his shoulder, that he had fled
+before the laughter of his brothers-in-arms, and hidden in some nook on
+board, leaving her to find solace in a vile-looking black pipe, which
+she was just lighting with an equanimity that did not suggest an
+entirely heart-broken condition.  The group mentioned consisting of the
+intelligent-looking young officer in charge of the squad, and three
+women, who were evidently mother, sister, and friend.
+
+They visited in low tones till the last minute, but at the final
+separation the poor mother turned from her red-coat's embrace, nearly
+fainting in her daughter's arms, and the poor fellow, looking back at
+the three pale faces, had staggered a little in his own walk, as if
+overcome by emotion, as he rallied his men for embarkation.  Just as
+the gang-plank slid inside upon its rollers, however, something
+happened which brought back the ever-ready laughter to the girls' lips.
+A young exquisite, with a monocle who had been hovering around one
+party, in which were two or three pretty girls whose sly fun at his
+expense he was too dense to appreciate, thought it would be a cunning
+thing to fling after them the handkerchief he had pretended to drench
+with regretful tears; but being very close to the edge of the wharf he
+miscalculated his balance, and would have toppled into the water, but
+that a burly tar, standing close by, caught him by his waistband and
+dragged him back to safety, swearing a round oath at him for his
+foolishness.
+
+The poor little dandy's natty straw hat and monocle were lost, though,
+but worse yet was the shout of laughter that arose from ship and shore,
+at his expense, mingled with cheers for the big sailor.  Crestfallen
+enough, he was glad to sink back into the crowd and become
+inconspicuous, for once.  But no one on the steamer gave him further
+attention, for, as they swung out into deep water with that majestic
+motion in which a great vessel seems to courtesy to the deep, there was
+too much of great interest to look at.
+
+The girls had thoroughly examined their fine stateroom, which opened
+from their father's cabin, a day or so before, and now, having hastily
+deposited the cat, parrot, and luggage within in its doors, were
+prepared to spend this first hour of their journey in making good use
+of their eyes.  It happened to be a fine day, clear and mild, with
+little air stirring, and even the most tearful of the passengers soon
+began to feel the influence of the fine air and lively scenes about
+them.
+
+As they passed Fort Monckton some regimental band was practising a
+martial air, which came in softened strains across the water, and it
+seemed as if Spithead roadway were fairly alive with craft of every
+description, from a gun-ship seeking dry dock for repairs, to a slender
+racing wherry, whose one occupant, bareheaded and armed, flung up an
+oar in greeting, as the stately "International" steamed by.
+
+Hope turned almost reluctantly from all this life and movement to watch
+the fertile shores of the Isle of Wight, but Faith fell at once under
+their spell, and could scarcely be persuaded to talk, so busy were her
+eyes noting the rich verdure and picturesqueness of the wooded scene.
+As they neared Cowes she pointed to a massive tower, which loomed up
+amid the thick verdure, and observed,
+
+"See, Hope, there's Osborne House, one of our queen's castles, isn't it
+beautiful?"
+
+"Yes," said Hope, "and there's a sloop flying an American flag--see?
+Ah! it's saluting--now watch our colors, Faith; isn't that pretty?  And
+aren't you glad we sail under both?  There's a book named 'Under Two
+Flags,' and I've wondered what it is about.  Our father's steamer sails
+under both the American and British, and I'm so proud of both I want to
+huzza every time I see them!"
+
+The breeze was freshening by this, so that they felt the need of more
+wraps, and decided to go below for them.  As they slowly paced across
+the broad deck their eyes roved from group to group, and they began
+already to decide which would, and would not, be desirable
+acquaintances.  In turn, many eyes followed them, and they caught such
+expressions as--"Did you ever see such a resemblance?  How beautiful
+they are, and how exactly alike," and the whisper, "Who are they?"
+passed from lip to lip, for, having roamed all over this great ocean
+hotel more than once, when "visiting papa," the twins now went about
+with an assurance few passengers had yet attained to.
+
+Besides the sight of two mere girls apparently unattended, is a most
+unusual thing abroad, and so our sisters seemed, this morning, for
+their father was too busy with his many duties to attend upon them when
+he knew they were perfectly at home, here.  As they entered their
+pretty cabin, for so the English oftenest designate a first-class
+stateroom, a pitiful "miew," long drawn out, and at once answered by a
+hoarse "Shut up!" greeted their ears.  The poor kitten was evidently
+suffering, and the naughty parrot scolding her for complaining.
+
+"It's a wicked shame to keep my fine Angora in that cage!" cried Faith,
+with unusual spirit, "And you must teach that rude fellow not to scold
+at her."
+
+Hope smiled good-naturedly.
+
+"How can I help his talking, dear?  But why can't we let kitty out,
+now?  Shut the door and have her get used to it here, first.  How
+pretty this room is!  Wasn't it lovely of father to fit it up freshly
+for us?"
+
+"Of course it was!" cried a well-known bass voice, and a blue-capped
+head appeared at the inner door.  "Going to let Puss out, girlies?"
+asked the captain.  "Wait, I'll assist you."
+
+He was soon down upon his knees fumbling with the cage, the girls
+watching him in eager anticipation; and this seems an excellent
+opportunity to describe the pretty apartment.  It was about twelve feet
+square, and its two narrow white bedsteads were set side by side
+beneath the starboard portholes, and safely screwed to the floor,
+leaving a narrow space beyond, which gave opportunity to reach the
+convenient wardrobe there.  In one corner, at the foot of the beds, was
+the stationary wash-stand with cleated shelves above, and a cunning
+pigeon-hole arrangement for shoes below--"Anything but footless boots
+clattering around in a gale!" said Captain Hosmer.  In the other corner
+was a dear little toilet-stand, built in securely, and fitted below
+with triangular drawers, which shut fast with a click, and were opened
+with a spring.  Its top was beveled out into fanciful squares and
+rounds, into which deep trays for toilet articles were secured, and,
+above, a mirror of goodly size was also screwed to place.  Between
+these was the door that led to a narrow corridor leading directly to
+the deck in one direction, to one of the saloons in the other.
+
+Along the wall space, opposite the wardrobe, were light racks for
+books, wraps, and knick-knacks, and below a long seat, or lounge,
+covered in white dimity, with its flounce reaching to the floor.  The
+top to this could be raised, and the space beneath made a most handy
+place for the bestowal of cloaks and gowns.  All the decorating of
+walls and panels was in white and pale green, pricked out with gold;
+and a small door close beside the bed-heads opened into the captain's
+cabin.
+
+This was a foot or two larger, and of irregular shape, its deck-wall
+forming a swell, in which were three broad windows which gave a view of
+the sea for a full half-circle of the horizon.  It also overlooked the
+forward deck, the watchful lookout on the bridge, the busy sailors at
+their tasks, and gave glimpses of the steerage at long range.  It was
+richly paneled in leather, with much gilding, the draperies were of
+crimson damask, and the seat which followed the window's swell was
+cushioned in crimson plush, all of which gave it a snug, shut-in look.
+A large table with a constant litter of maps, charts, sextants,
+log-books, pipes, and tobacco jars, occupied the center, and
+comfortable chairs were placed around in careless order.  There were a
+few books in some wall-shelves, a violin case in one corner--which
+instrument the captain loved to practise on, though he was no
+proficient--and one or two pretty India cabinets of lacquered work,
+containing odd specimens, and fine curios from many countries.
+
+His sleeping apartment, off at one side, which filled in the irregular
+triangle left from the rounded end, was a mere closet with a narrow
+bunk, "hard as iron," as Faith often disconsolately remarked, and a
+folding bath.  The captain asked no personal luxuries, yet no father
+ever lived who was more lavish in bestowing every refinement of dainty
+living upon his daughters.
+
+The girls liked to speak of his cabin as the "library," and mostly did
+so, much to its owner's amusement, who seldom read any book except the
+log, or the daily writings of the weather on sea and sky.
+
+"There!" he said, as he succeeded in loosening the cage door.  "Now
+come out, Mr. Puss, and make friends.  What are you going to name him,
+Faith?"
+
+"What would you, father?  It ought to be a Persian name, oughtn't it?"
+
+"That might do--if you don't get too much of a jaw-breaker, child.
+Remember, I'm not learned."
+
+"The idea!  When you can rattle off those Indian names that I cannot
+understand at all, Just as if they were everyday Hatties and Kitties
+and Pollys."
+
+He smiled.
+
+"Oh, of course.  I'm used to them.  But Persian's another thing, I
+suppose.  Come, kitty, don't be afraid--whew!" for, in spite of
+coaxing, the frightened creature made a dash past him, as he would have
+stroked its silky coat, and disappeared under the white valance of the
+nearest bed.
+
+Instantly Faith was on her knees, diving after, but nearly fell over
+with laughter when Mr. Parrot called out promptly, in a shocked voice,
+"Oh, for shame!"
+
+Amid the laughter the captain remarked quickly, "I have it!  Who was
+that Persian poet you were reading about the other night, in Portsea,
+Faith?  Why not name him that?  Don't you remember, he was said to be
+rather a shy, retiring man.  Now, kitty, here, seems to have the same
+disposition."
+
+Faith was now scrambling out, warm and tumbled, Puss safe in her arms,
+but only half yielding to restraint, and, smiling at her father's funny
+glance, she answered, gasping a little with her exertions,
+
+"It was Hafiz, papa.  I had thought of Ali Baba, but that always
+suggests the forty thieves, you know, and I wouldn't like my pretty
+Angora to be accused of stealing even cream--father, do you suppose
+he's hungry?"
+
+"Bless us!  Just as likely as not.  Wait, I'll send Joey for some milk
+at once," touching an electric button just above the seat.  "I see Mr.
+Parrot has his dinner in his cage.  Well, shall it be Hafiz?"
+
+"I believe that will do," returned Faith slowly, "and what will you
+name your bird, Hope?"
+
+"Oh, I'm not going so far for a name as all that, only to America, and
+I shall call him Texas."
+
+Her father, smiling at her ideas of distance, joined Faith in her
+surprised question, "But why?"
+
+"Why?  Because I've always thought, from things I've read about Texas,
+that it's a jolly, wide-awake state, but not over-refined, perhaps.  It
+has always seemed to me they did rather dreadful things there, but in
+an off-hand, good-natured sort of way, that made them seem more funny
+than really bad.  I don't think I can make it quite plain to you, but
+that's the way my parrot acts.  He is not so wicked as he seems, and I
+shall certainly call him Texas."
+
+At this instant the boy, who had been electrically summoned, appeared.
+He was a Japanese, with a good face, now in a broad smile as he
+received his orders, and the quick glance by which he took in the
+pretty room and its lively occupants was alert and well pleased.  He
+had waited upon the captain for years, spoke perfect English, and was
+the most faithful and good-tempered of lackeys.  He soon reappeared
+with some rich-looking milk, which poor Hafiz eagerly began to lap, so
+soon as Faith had poured some into a saucer, and for the first time a
+soft purring sounded from his white-collared throat.
+
+"There!" said his little mistress, watching him in great satisfaction,
+"he really was half starved.  Now, don't you see how like our Persian
+poet he is, father?  You remember Hafiz liked to sing of all
+comfortable things--good living, and so on.  Here is my Hafiz doing the
+same thing."
+
+"Only his language is not entirely comprehensible," laughed her sister.
+
+"Could you have understood the real poet any better?" was the arch
+response, and Hope had to acknowledge that, for all practical purposes,
+the Angora Hafiz was as intelligible as his namesake.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+INTRODUCTIONS.
+
+When they went back upon deck Faith had the pacified Hafiz in her arms,
+and was inclined to sympathize with her sister, who could not carry
+Texas about in that manner.  But Hope needed no consolation.  "Possibly
+I cannot, yet," she allowed, "but wait a while.  I intend to tame
+Texas, and then I shall have him to perch on my wrist like a falcon.
+And, just now, I don't know that I care to be hampered by any sort of a
+baby," laughing mischievously, for Faith looked quite motherly, with
+the kitten wrapped in a fold of her cape.
+
+They had come above to see the lighthouse and Hurst Castle, at the
+opening into the Channel, which seemed to be held out from the mainland
+by a long, thin arm of soil.  The Channel here narrows to about a mile
+in width, and these objects loom up conspicuously to the starboard of
+the outbound steamer.  As they stood watching from the hurricane deck,
+to which they had ascended, and admiring not only the bright scene
+before them, but also the splendor and cleanliness of their father's
+ship, a boyish voice was heard to exclaim,
+
+"Well, I've explored as far as they'll let me, and I say she's a dandy!
+I believe she'll compare pretty well with the P. & O. liners, after
+all, don't you, Bess?"  And up through the companionway came a head in
+a yachting-cap, followed by a slender boy in gray, with a frank, but
+homely visage.
+
+He gave the girls a keen glance, which they more modestly returned, and
+they privately decided, after a second look, that his eyes were fine
+and his smile a pleasant one, if he was slightly snub-nosed and
+freckled.
+
+Just behind him came the "Bess" of his question, a rather delicate
+young lady in appearance, possibly in her early twenties, the boy being
+at least four years younger.  She was not pretty, but as her eyes
+lighted upon the sisters, she too smiled so pleasantly, they were at
+once drawn to her, and returned the wordless greeting with more than
+civility.  Then Hope broke out, impulsively,
+
+"We are watching the lighthouse.  Doesn't it loom up well?  Almost as
+if we were going to run into it."
+
+"True enough," returned "Bess," as both drew nearer, and the boy added,
+to Faith,
+
+"You've got an Angora, haven't you?  We left one at home, didn't we,
+Bess?  He's a splendid fellow, Chimmie Fadden is!"
+
+"Chimmie Fadden?  What a funny name!" laughed the twins in chorus.
+
+"It's out of a story," he explained, "a Van Bibber story, and really
+means Jimmy, you know, but that's the way the boy pronounced it
+himself.  He acts timid," this in reference to Hafiz, who burrowed
+under Faith's arm, resenting his advances.
+
+"Yes, he doesn't like it on board, at all.  It's all too strange, yet.
+Father gave him to me just before we started, and he hasn't become used
+to anything--not even me."
+
+"And I've a parrot," put in Hope.  "_He_ takes it out in scolding.  I
+shall not dare have him on deck until he gets over his sulks, and will
+talk nice things.  So far, he is a bit rude and outspoken for polite
+society."
+
+Their light talk and laughter seemed to break all ice between them, if
+there had been any to break, and the young lady asked,
+
+"Do you go far?  I noticed you on the forward deck.  It is seldom one
+sees two people so exactly alike.  Can even your own mother tell you
+apart?"
+
+"Our mother we have never known, she died when we were so little," said
+Faith gently, "but Debby, our nurse, always knew, and so does father.
+Very few others do, though."
+
+"Is your father with you?"
+
+"Oh, yes, indeed!" laughed Hope.  "We couldn't very well do without
+him--"
+
+"Oh, I know, I know.  He's the _captain_!  Isn't he now?" cried the
+boy.  "I heard the head steward saying something to another officer
+about the captain's daughters.  Haven't I made a good guess?"
+
+"You certainly have," said Faith.
+
+"Then your name is Hosmer," added the boy, triumphantly.  "I've been
+over nearly the whole steamer, and she's fine!  And I know our captain
+quite well, and like him first-rate, already."
+
+"Oh, you do?" laughed his sister.  "Well, now you have ferreted out who
+these young ladies are, I think we ought to introduce ourselves.  This
+is my brother, Dwight Vanderhoff, of New York City, America, and I am
+his sister Elizabeth, generally shortened to Bess.  We are going with
+our mother and uncle, Mr. Dwight Lawrence, for whom this youngster is
+named, to India, and intend to make an extended tour.  We have been on
+the Continent and in the British Isles for three or four months, and
+haven't lost any of our Yankee enthusiasm and curiosity yet, as you
+see."
+
+"And we're American, too!" cried Hope.
+
+"And English," added Faith.
+
+"Why, how is that?"
+
+The latter explained.
+
+"Well, if that isn't jolly!" said Dwight.  "To be sure, this steamer's
+the 'International,' and sails under both flags.  I noticed our old
+'star-spangled' along with the Union Jack, and wondered.  Do you see,
+Bess?"
+
+"Of course I see, and am delighted.  I shall consider it a good omen
+for our voyage."
+
+"Especially as she carries Faith and Hope with her," remarked the
+latter, with a merry glance at her sister.
+
+"Certainly," returned Bess obliviously, but Dwight broke in,
+
+"Wait!  You mean something special by that; I see it in your eyes.  Let
+me guess again.  Faith and hope--faith and hope--I once knew a girl
+named Faith--say!  I'll bet a cooky those are your names.  Aren't they,
+now?"
+
+"Right again!" laughed Hope, while he jumped about, clapping his hands
+in ecstasy.
+
+"Hear that, Bess Vanderhoff?  Uncle always said I was a regular Yankee
+for guessing, and that shows it.  But those are stunning names for
+twins--"
+
+"Dwight, Dwight!  What an expression to describe those lovely words."
+
+"Well, it was rather off, Bess.  I beg your pardon, Miss Faith and
+Miss--but which is which, and how will I know if you tell me?  It's a
+regular Chinese puzzle, for you are precisely the same until you speak,
+and then there's a difference.  For you," he pointed towards Hope,
+"look somehow--well, jollier, I guess it is."
+
+"Don't be personal, Dwight," admonished his sister.
+
+"But it's a personal subject, sis, how can I help it?  May I make one
+more try at it?"
+
+"As many as you like," laughed Hope.
+
+"Well, then, if you're named as you ought to be you are Hope, because
+you look it, and she--"
+
+He was interrupted by a little cry from Faith, who had been watching
+the scenery more closely than the others.  They followed her gaze and
+were silenced a while by the impressive scene, for the Channel was
+opening broadly before them, its cold green waves curling into
+foam-tipped breakers, while the Needles, those natural turrets of the
+deep, rose in stately fashion from the waters, seemingly in their very
+path, as if here the bold voyager must needs be challenged before
+venturing further.  The narrow Solent was passed and a wider roadway
+was to be theirs for many a day.  But after a little, Dwight's
+irrepressible spirits broke out afresh, and he returned to the charge,
+evidently determined to be at no loss when addressing these girls, whom
+he secretly chose as companions for Bess and himself out of the whole
+passenger list.  He finished his guess concerning Hope, and once more
+proved his right to American citizenship.
+
+"But why do I look my name?" she asked curiously.
+
+"Can't tell; you just do, that's all.  I'm a guesser, but I can't
+explain why, at all.
+
+"You may know me by my cat--Hafiz the poet, at your service," said her
+sister merrily.
+
+"But when you don't have the cat, Miss Faith?  One of you ought to tie
+on a pink ribbon somewhere, and one a blue."
+
+"Yes, and then we'd be like the old woman with her eggs," put in Bess.
+"It would be sink or swim--pink or blue--but which?  I think I'd rather
+learn you by closer observation, and you mustn't mind if I stare a good
+deal for a time.
+
+"Oh, no, people always do stare," said Hope nonchalantly, which was,
+indeed, the truth.  The sisters had become so used to this attention in
+public that they were able to appear unconscious of it always, whether
+really so or not.  For, being sensible girls, they did not attribute
+this at all to their fair, fresh faces, but to the resemblance between
+them, enough of a novelty in this world of diversities to be always
+observable.
+
+They were well out into the Channel when summoned to luncheon, and only
+waited long enough for a good look back at the beautifully wooded
+shores before they went below.  The first meal at sea is always an
+interesting one.  It is a matter of great moment to many in what part
+of the saloon they will be assigned a place, and of course the special
+honor of sitting at the captain's table is desired by all, though
+attained by few.
+
+As they were descending towards the cabin, to join their father, Faith,
+ever thoughtful of others, said in a low voice.
+
+"Don't you wish we could have the Vanderhoff party at our table, Hope?"
+
+"True enough.  It would be fine!  Let's ask father."
+
+"But you know he leaves all that to Mr. Malcolm, and I don't believe we
+ought to meddle."
+
+Mr. Malcolm was the head steward, and it was an excellent rule of
+Captain Hosmer's to interfere as little as possible with the special
+prerogatives of his officers, who in turn always tried their best to
+please him.  Mr. Malcolm knew his duties thoroughly, and did them.
+
+This the girls knew, hence the disclaimer from thoughtful Faith,
+
+"Oh dear!  It would be so pleasant.  And father ought to have a say
+about his own table--"
+
+"But you know he's always consulted, dear, and by this time everything
+is planned."
+
+"Well, we might be consulted, too."
+
+"Why, Hope!  When he has planned everything to make it pleasant for us."
+
+Hope's pout died out into a shamefaced smile.
+
+"There, there!  Consider it unsaid, Miss Wisdom.  Guess I can
+appreciate the dear man, myself--and there he is looking for us now."
+
+Quite over her pet, she ran to meet him, and his tender smile met their
+upturned faces.
+
+"Ah, girlies, I was just coming for you.  I'll see you in to the table
+and join you presently.  Just now I'm busy, but Malcolm and Joey will
+look after you.  I didn't forget that my little girls were along when
+we fixed up the table-list, and you'll see they are not all ponderous
+elderly people with titles, this time.  Come on!"
+
+The sisters exchanged glances, and Hope in a spasm of repentance,
+murmured, "Oh papa, you're too good to us!" which he only half caught
+as Faith just then remarked,
+
+"But Hafiz--I'll have to--"
+
+"Here, Jack,"--to a passing attendant,--"take this kitten to my cabin,
+and see that the door is shut into the large stateroom, off.  Hafiz and
+Texas are better apart until time has cemented their friendship," he
+added, with a twinkle, turning again to his daughters.  "Now hurry!"
+and he raced them merrily down the companion-way, and through the after
+saloon, to the great apartment set out with table after table, in a
+bewildering vista of white linen, glittering silver, and shining
+crystal.
+
+As they stepped to their places Hope nearly gave a hop of pleasure, for
+on one side were Bess and Dwight, with a tall lady whom Bess greatly
+resembled, and a rather magnificent gentleman, whose whole air bespoke
+one used to power, to luxury, and to travel.
+
+The others consisted of two or three officers, an outgoing Indian
+official who wrote Sir before his name, a famous traveler, a minister
+from America, and a Russian writer of note.  The ladies were fewer,
+there being only three besides Mrs. Vanderhoff.  One was the wife of
+the English baronet, and the other two seemed traveling together, but
+in what relation was not apparent.  One was past middle life, and
+fine-looking, with snowy hair, brilliant eyes, and a polished speech
+and manner.  The other was, as the sisters rather hastily decided, not
+prepossessing in appearance, having a reserved and haughty manner.  She
+seldom spoke, and was either preoccupied, or indifferent.
+
+The captain, with a courteous general greeting, introduced his
+daughters, then seated them, one on either side of his own place, when,
+with a word to Joey, whose manner was eagerly attentive, he hastened
+back to his post, leaving them to their own devices.  Bess at once
+presented them to her mother and uncle, the latter in turn mentioning
+the names of the Indian official, Sir Wilbur Lawton, his wife and the
+traveler, whose famous cognomen may not be written here.  Then he
+glanced half inquiringly at the two ladies, who were evidently
+strangers to him, when she of the white hair said gracefully,
+
+"And let me present to all, my friend, Lady Moreham."
+
+Then, as her companion did not return the favor, she added, "And I am
+Mrs. Poinsett."
+
+The younger people were too well trained to monopolize conversation,
+but listened with pleasure to the talk between the gentlemen concerning
+hunting of "big game" in India, with which both the traveler and Sir
+Wilbur seemed well acquainted, Mr. Lawrence asking intelligent
+questions, and the Russian whose name was almost unpronounceable,
+putting in a broken sentence, or two, now and then.  The ladies mostly
+listened, also, but occasionally the two who were companions conversed
+in low tones.  Lady Lawton, who was extremely fleshy, devoted herself
+exclusively to her luncheon.
+
+The twins, meanwhile, made their observations with the promptitude of
+youth.  They liked Mrs. Vanderhoff, whose manner was quiet and
+sensible, in accord with her dress and appearance, and they also
+fancied Mrs. Poinsett, but the one called Lady Moreham they decided was
+disagreeable, and too proud of her rank to be sociable.  They were glad
+she sat at the further end of the table, and Hope remarked, as she bent
+forward for the pepper-box.  "There's a regular specimen of your
+British aristocracy, Faith Hosmer.  You must feel proud of it!"
+
+But Faith only smiled, as she murmured in return, "Judge not!" then,
+with her charming smile, answered Mr. Lawrence's question with a "No,
+sir, it is our first trip to India.  We have often been to Cowes, or
+Plymouth, with father, but never far from English shores, except once,
+when we spent a year in Massachusetts, at the time he was mate of the
+'Glasgow.'"
+
+"Ah, in what part?  Boston, I presume?"
+
+"Yes, sir, Boston, Lynn, Salem; but we lived at Lynn."
+
+Here Bess broke in to briefly explain the double nationality claimed by
+the girls, and for a rather embarrassing minute the attention of the
+table seemed concentrated upon them.  Amid the fusillade of question
+and comment Hope noticed Lady Moreham's eyes suddenly flash and
+soften--she could almost have thought there were tears in them, indeed.
+But why?  At any rate, she began to think there might be some redeeming
+traits, even in this "specimen of British aristocracy."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+"ON THE BAY OF BISCAY, O!"
+
+The meal was scarcely over, when there was a perceptible change in the
+movement of the steamship, for, no longer sheltered by the Isle of
+Wight, they soon discovered that what they had always heard of the
+broad English Channel is true, and found it one of the roughest sheets
+of water known.  Faith soon began to look "white around the gills," as
+Mr. Malcolm teasingly informed her, and when she said she "thought she
+would go and look after Hafiz," Hope rallied and ridiculed her, well
+backed by Dwight, who was a born sailor; but Bess evidently sympathized
+with her, and began herself to look wan.
+
+Faith had gone indoors--they were on the forward deck upon which the
+captain's cabin, or "library," opened, and Hope had been watching her
+zig-zag progress across it, laughing merrily, when, with the suddenness
+of a lightning-stroke, everything grew black and began to spin around
+her.  She looked helplessly at Dwight, whose grinning face was like
+that of a whirling dervish, made a little lurch forward, and would have
+fallen, but that watchful Mr. Malcolm caught her just in time.  He at
+once sent a boy for the stewardess, and they soon had the
+half-unconscious girl safe inside her own stateroom door, where Faith
+looked up drowsily from her little bed to remark,
+
+"Why, what's the matter?  Did she get hurt?"
+
+"Oh, no, only faint," returned the woman smiling broadly, while she
+unfastened Hope's gown and assisted her upon the other bed.  "There's
+the pair of you."
+
+"Two fools!" remarked the parrot, with such appropriateness that even
+Hope had to join feebly in the woman's jolly laughter, while Faith
+plucked up strength to gibe a little in return for her sister's attack
+on deck.
+
+"There, now, all you've got to do is to lie still," said the
+stewardess, as she turned away.  "Why, you little kitten!  Where did
+you come from?" for Hafiz, curled down snugly by Faith, had just
+attracted her notice.  "Is he yours, Miss Faith?"
+
+"Yes, Martha.  Papa gave him to me, and do let papa know, please, how
+sick we are, so that he can look in on us when he has time," she added,
+for, unaccustomed to illness, she felt they were almost in danger of
+their lives, now.
+
+When, however, a little later, their father peered in with a laughing
+face to rally them, and declared in cheery tones that they were "just
+getting their sea-legs, and would be good sailors in a day or two,"
+they took heart, and both soon drowsed off into hazy slumber.  But
+neither wanted any dinner that night, and did not attempt much exertion
+until late the next day.  Hope awoke, feeling much brighter, and felt
+that the motion was not so distressing as yesterday.  She looked across
+at Faith, who lay with closed eyes, pale indeed, but peaceful.
+
+"Are you awake?" she whispered.
+
+"Yes," returned her sister, opening her eyes only to close them at
+once.  "I'm awake, but it's the queerest thing.  So long as I keep my
+eyes closed I'm quite comfortable, but when I open them I feel as if I
+were in a high swing just ready to tumble out; and when Texas gets to
+pitching around in his cage, and hanging fairly upside down, and
+whirling around like a crazy thing, it makes me a great deal worse."
+
+Hope laughed.
+
+"Poor Texas!  I don't think he's very happy himself.  I wonder, are
+birds ever seasick, really?  I've heard they often mope and die on
+shipboard, but is it seasickness?"
+
+"I'm sure I don't know--but let's not talk about it!  What time do you
+suppose it is, Hope?"
+
+"Oh, somewhere along in the afternoon.  Somebody says there's no time
+at sea--it's all now.  Heigh-ho!  I've half a mind to get up and
+dress--why-y, what's that?"
+
+Sure enough!  Even Faith opened her eyes wide to stare upward, for
+there was something sliding through one of the portholes above their
+heads, and dropping softly downwards--a small package done up in
+crinkly pink paper, and tied neatly about with blue lutestring.
+
+"It's father!" cried Hope, as she scrambled to her knees to peer out,
+but she could see nobody on the narrow guards without.
+
+Meanwhile Faith grasped the little packet and began to untie it,
+forgetting her illness in her eagerness.
+
+The paper, when opened, disclosed two sea biscuits--the square, thin
+kind, like a soda cracker--and upon each was painted a tiny marine view
+in water-colors, while beneath was a couplet done in fanciful
+lettering.  One read,
+
+  "Hope for a season bade the world farewell,
+  And Freedom shrieked--as Kosciusko fell,"
+
+while the other bore the legend,
+
+  "Our Faith, a star, shone o'er a rocky height;
+  The billows rose, and she was quenched in night."
+
+
+"How absurd!  How funny!  Who did it?" they cried in concert,
+forgetting all ill feelings as they laughed till the tears came.
+
+"It never was father," said Hope, when she could get her voice.  "The
+dear man couldn't repeat a line of poetry to save his life.  That one
+about Kosciusko used to be in one of our school speakers, don't you
+know?"
+
+"Yes, it's Campbell's."  Faith always remembered more accurately than
+her sister, while the latter learned more readily.  "But who would ever
+think of applying it so oddly?  The play on our names is bright enough,
+but--I'll tell you, I'll tell you!  It was that boy--Dwight Vanderhoff.
+I just believe it!  He is clever, I'm sure, and his uncle could help
+him."
+
+"As likely as not--or Mr. Malcolm--but no, I don't believe he would.
+He is full of fun, but dignified too, and he never forgets we are the
+captain's daughters.  It must be that boy!  Martha Jordan says he
+hasn't been ill a minute, and that he knows everybody on shipboard,
+already, and they all like him."
+
+The stewardess was fond of the girls, and in her frequent visits had
+brought them every bit of news she could pick up, to lighten their
+confinement.  She appeared while they were conjecturing, and said,
+
+"Aha!  Well, aren't you?"
+
+"Almost," said Faith, as both began telling the story of their package.
+
+Martha appeared much interested, but there was a look on her honest
+face that seemed to say she was not so densely ignorant of the matter
+as she pretended to be, and, while she assisted them into their long,
+flannel-lined ulsters and close caps, for a visit to the upper deck,
+where she declared the fresh wind would blow their last qualms away,
+they tried to learn just what she did know, but without success.
+Giving it up, finally, Hope proposed that they wear the sea-biscuit as
+ornaments, and see who should look most conscious when they drew near.
+
+"A good idea!  And where is that box of ribbons?  Let's find a pink and
+blue, if we can."
+
+"Tell me where you put it and I'll look," said Martha, much amused,
+and, when found, she punched a hole through one corner of the pasty
+squares, and tied each to a button of the ulsters.  Hope's was pink,
+and Faith's blue.
+
+Thus equipped, she started them up the companion-way, and seeing they
+were reasonably firm on their feet, went about her business, chuckling
+to herself as if greatly enjoying something.  As they appeared above,
+they received a merry greeting from their father, who sat chatting with
+Mr. Lawrence to leeward of a smokestack, which gave a grateful warmth,
+as the day was a typical November one, gray and chill.
+
+Both gentlemen sprang up to offer chairs, and congratulate them upon
+their courage in venturing out, and they were barely seated, when up
+came Dwight, trying to keep under a most amazing grin that persisted in
+stretching his mouth from ear to ear.
+
+"Well, this is good!" he cried, shaking hands with a nourish.  "I knew,
+if you'd just make a try at it, you'd be all right.  If everybody would
+stick it out and stay on deck, as I do, there'd be no such thing as
+seasickness."
+
+"Oh, the conceit of him!" laughed his uncle.  "Stick it out, indeed!
+Why, you don't know what it means, you healthy young rascal.  You have
+the stomach of a goat!"
+
+To divert attention, possibly, Dwight suddenly turned to the girls, and
+inspected them with apparent curiosity.
+
+"You seem to be decorated, this afternoon," he remarked in a
+non-committal tone, "and got on your pink and blue ribbons, I declare!"
+
+His gaze rested on the sea-biscuit, and he lowered his eyelids to hide
+the laugh behind them.
+
+"You didn't know we had decorations on this ship?" asked Hope
+teasingly.  "Only a few get them.  They are for good conduct under
+trying conditions.  We have been ill, but not disagreeably ill.
+There's a difference."
+
+The gentlemen were looking at the painted squares, now, and her father
+said, "What's that nonsense, my dear?  What are they, anyhow?"
+
+"Just something the stormy petrels dropped through our porthole," said
+Faith, gravely taking up the tale.  "Aren't they pretty?"
+
+"H'm!  Quite so."  Mr. Lawrence was also indulging in a long look.
+"Did a merman paint them for you?  And what sea-king got up that
+poetry?  It seems well selected, if not entirely original."  He glanced
+at his nephew quizzically, and added, "I suppose the other name of that
+Freedom who shrieked was Dwight, wasn't it?  Pretty well, sir, pretty
+well!  I recognize the work.  Your style is original, Mr. Artist
+Vanderhoff."
+
+"And didn't you help him one bit, Mr. Lawrence?" asked Faith.
+
+"Did not even know of it, Miss Hosmer."
+
+"Then I call it a mighty smart performance!" cried Hope in a tone of
+finality which brought a hearty laugh from the group.
+
+"Clever enough!" decided the captain, as he spelled out the twisted
+lines, and chuckled over them.  "You're quite an artist, young man.  I
+remember, a few years back, I had a whole crew of the long-haired
+profession aboard, and a jolly, turbulent set they were.  They
+decorated the ship from stem to gudgeon in all sorts of unexpected
+places, and almost disorganized my Lascars, snatching them off duty to
+pose as models.  I had to threaten to driven 'em below at the rope's
+end, and batten down the hatches, to bring them to reason.  But they
+made fun for us the whole voyage, and I was sorry to see the last of
+them at Gibraltar."
+
+The steamer was now in the broad Bay of Biscay, which washes the bold
+shores of France and Spain, and the water had that compact hue of dark
+azure, with occasional greenish lights, that tells of deep soundings.
+
+As they forged ahead, to the steady drum-beat of the engines, the broad
+swirl of water, churned into foam by the great propellers at the stern,
+marked their path as far back as the eye could reach.  The weather was
+fitful, and the sky cleared somewhat toward sunset, but its light was
+cold, and threatening clouds hung close upon its edge.  The treacherous
+weather predicted of the bay might be upon them soon, though as yet it
+had been "all plain sailing," as the captain observed.
+
+"It's either here, or on the Indian seas," he said laughingly.
+"Somewhere, we'll have to take it!  It is not often we get through
+without a little shaking up, somewhere.  'Twould scarcely be possible
+in so long a voyage."
+
+"About how long does it take you?" asked Mr. Lawrence, lazily watching
+the line of faint silvery blue, streaking the horizon.
+
+"Oh, I usually make it inside of thirty days, when our stops aren't too
+long," returned the captain.  "Of course the P. & O. liners, being
+mail-carriers, do it in much less time.  But they're built for speed,
+and make fewer stops.  Then, we tramp steamers always give them the
+right of way in harbor--hello!"
+
+He rose to his feet, his keen eyes looking off to starboard, while at
+the same instant came a cry from the lookout, "Sail to starboard, aft!"
+
+The others, following the captain's gaze, saw something like a faint
+smudge growing on the horizon's line against the faintly tinted hue,
+and, even as they watched, it deepened to a waving plume.
+
+"Come!" said he, and they followed him to the bridge, where, giving
+each a turn at the glass, they watched the plume until a shape was
+attached to it, and it grew into a graceful steamship, its funnels
+belching black, and its sails gleaming like shadowy shapes of vapor
+till they grew near enough to become defined, and materialized by
+nearness.
+
+"It's one of the liners now--a P. & O!" cried the captain with some
+excitement.  "Isn't she a lady, though?  Watch her gait!  She's as
+steady and swift as the stars in their courses.  You'll see her colors
+soon."
+
+He sang out an order or two, then turned to answer Faith who, with her
+eyes fixed on the rapidly nearing steamer, asked dreamily,
+
+"What does P. & O. stand for, papa?"
+
+"Why, don't you know?  For goodness' sake, child, what an odd question
+for a seaman's daughter to ask!"
+
+"But I surely don't know.  I never heard anything but P. & O. and I
+never even thought to ask before."
+
+"Well, it's Peninsular and Oriental, of course--there, see her colors?
+Those four triangles in blue, white, yellow, and red, at her masthead.
+Watch while we salute her!"
+
+The beautiful courtesy was given and exchanged, the great steamer
+passing at so close range that they could see the clustered groups upon
+her immense decks, note the fluttering handkerchiefs, and hear their
+cheers, in response to those from the "International," ringing faint,
+yet clear, across the watery space between.
+
+"That's the 'London,'" said the captain dropping his glass after a
+long, admiring gaze, "and, by the way, the old 'London,' a fine,
+staunch vessel, was wrecked in this very bay years ago."
+
+They watched the leviathan, with its hundreds of passengers, a long
+time, but at length its greater speed carried it from view in the
+darkening night, and they were presently reminded, by the signal, that
+it was time to dress for dinner.
+
+The "International" would have seemed odd, in many respects, to one
+used only to the trans-Atlantic steamers, for, though entirely
+officered by English-speaking whites, its crew consisted largely of
+Malays and Lascars, while the waiters were mostly Japanese and
+Bengalese, wearing a costume compounded of their native gowns and the
+white aprons of European waiters.  The maids, under Mrs. Jordan, were
+also East Indian women, and they were very picturesque in their saris,
+or head coverings, of gay colors, with brilliant teeth gleaming out of
+their swarthy faces, and eyes like beads for blackness.  Even the boys
+who answered bell-calls and polished the brasses and the shoes, were
+from Soudan or Bombay, and the stokers down in the engine-room were
+Seedees, black as the coals they kept flinging into those yawning red
+mouths, which made one think of an opening into the great pit of Hades.
+
+These Seedees are as near a salamander as a human being can be,
+perhaps, and certainly they will endure heat that would soon kill a
+white man.  Sometimes, in those southern seas, the temperature of the
+furnace-room is something unthinkable, yet they endure it; though, as
+soon as their relief appears, they will fling their steaming, and
+almost naked, bodies into the scuppers, to let the rush of water wash
+them into coolness, once more.  It was understood that the girls were
+not to visit any of the lower regions of the ship, without the company
+of some officer, but Mr. Malcolm was very accommodating, so, matronized
+by Mrs. Vanderhoff, her party and the twins managed to peep into nearly
+every hole and corner before the voyage was over.  Even where they did
+not care to go Dwight would penetrate, if by crawling or climbing he
+could reach the spot.
+
+Before bedtime the steamer had changed its course to westward, and as
+it encountered a stiff head wind its progress was labored and slow.
+Most of the passengers early "sought the seclusion that the cabin
+grants," as Dwight mockingly observed, but, sheltered in the snug
+pilot-house, our girls, with himself and Bess, rode out the "storm," as
+Faith called it (though the gray old steersman laughed at the idea),
+until a late hour.  All day there had been a flock of sea-gulls
+following them, and, attracted by the light, they sometimes dashed
+against the windows, startling the girls and delighting Dwight.  They
+will follow a steamer much as a fly does a horse, always keeping at
+just about such a distance, though one would think, in their
+sky-circling and ocean-dipping, they must lose time occasionally.  As
+these birds of the sea glide down a billow, then skim lightly up again,
+it would seem they must sometimes be caught in the swirl of foam and
+borne under, but no!  Every time, no matter with what fusilade of spray
+the wave breaks, Mr. Seagull rises, lightly triumphant, with not so
+much as a silver feather wetted by salt water!
+
+The night grew very dark, and the sea was turbulent.  The late
+supper--a fourth meal always served on board the "International"--was
+something of a scramble, but our young people enjoyed it, as few of the
+older passengers were present, and though an occasional fit of
+squeamishness disturbed both twins, while Bess had to disappear
+suddenly, Dwight ate calmly on of everything offered, with an
+equanimity that tickled Joey, and excited the envy of all.  The saloons
+looked deserted, and only a few mustered for a short look at the light
+on Finisterre.  After seeing it, our girls decided bed was a good
+place, but Faith thought she had scarcely dropped asleep, though hours
+had fled, when something seemed to shake her into consciousness, and
+Hope's agitated voice whispered, "Oh, what is that?"
+
+It was a hoarse, awful, prolonged bellow, as of some giant ox in sore
+distress, and when it would stop, occasionally, faint and far would
+come another bellow, mellowed by distance, but sounding unspeakably
+eerie and frightsome.  A bell, too, seemed to be tolling a knell for
+something, and there was a constant rush of feet on deck, mingled with
+trumpeted orders and the rattle of cordage.  Yet the steamer did not
+seem to be pitching about at all, as it was when they retired.  Could
+they be going down, and were those awful noises calls for help?  And
+where could they be to have answers coming over the waves like that?
+
+"Oh dear!" sighed Hope.  "What can it all mean?  Do see if papa is in
+his cabin; you're on that side."
+
+"Of course he isn't!" answered her sister, more calmly.  "When there's
+danger he's always at his post.  And do you suppose, if there was real
+danger for us, that he wouldn't come and let us know?  I can trust my
+father!"
+
+"Well, so can I," snapped Hope, so disgusted at this superior tone she
+half forgot her fright.  "But it might be that he couldn't get to us,
+Faith Hosmer!  He might be washed overboard."
+
+Something in the idea of her big, cool father being washed off the
+decks of this staunch ship somehow amused Faith, who really was not
+much alarmed, and she could not help laughing, which gave fresh offense
+to her sister, who, breaking into tears, exclaimed, "You're a heartless
+girl, and ought to be ashamed!"
+
+"Why, Hope!"  A soft arm stole around her neck and a little figure
+"cuddled" close.  "You're all wrought up, but really I don't think it's
+so bad.  See how quiet the ship is.  I presume we're caught in a fog,
+or something.  Just as likely as not we're off the light, yet, and that
+is a bell-buoy, or something."
+
+"Dear!  I'd like to call a bell-boy, and ask," giggled Hope, a bit
+hysterical.  "Hark! there's papa now."
+
+In an instant the two girls were on their feet peering into the
+"library."
+
+"Oh, papa, what is it?" cried Hope.
+
+"What's what, my dear?" coming nearer, and showing himself wrapped in
+tarpaulins from head to heels.  "D'ye mean that old tooter?" laughing
+lightly.  "Nothing at all, except that we're in a fog and the horn's
+got a chill.  Now turn in, quick, before you get one, too, and go to
+sleep, dearies; your father's watching."
+
+"Hope," said her sister, after they had lain still a while.  "I think
+that's a beautiful thought!  'Your father's watching.'  It means two
+fathers for us, dear, and One of them cannot make a mistake, even in a
+fog.  Good night and pleasant dreams.  I'm going to sleep."
+
+They kissed and curled down contentedly, sleeping like babies all
+night.  Father was watching!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+PORTUGUESE TOWNS AND HEROES.
+
+The fog had delayed them some hours, but when the girls awoke, late the
+next morning, there was not a vestige of it left, save an extra
+brilliance in the clear air, while the engines were pounding away in a
+brave effort to bring them into Lisbon by the schedule.  As noon
+approached, and the pale tan of the coast line grew upon them, all was
+animation on board, for any landing when voyaging by sea, is an event,
+and especially so when the stay is to be of several hours duration.
+
+Our twins dragged out their flat steamer trunks from under their beds,
+and pulled out their prettiest street costumes, glad to discard the
+useful ulster for a light jacket and hat.  They were told the weather
+would be mild on shore, though it was November, and they were delighted
+to feel themselves really "dressed up" again, as Hope remarked.
+
+"Do you know," put in her sister ruminantly, "there's ever so much
+difference between being dressed up and well dressed.  Now there's Mrs.
+Vanderhoff; she never is really dressed up, but I have not yet seen her
+when she was not well dressed for the occasion."
+
+"Faith, if you get to moralizing I shall go distracted!  Where _did_ we
+put our jeweled hat pins?  I've looked and looked, and--oh, there they
+are right under my nose.  Goodness! is that a rap?--Ah, is it you, Miss
+Bess?  Come right in.  How fine you look in your shore clothes!"
+
+"Shore clothes?  That's good!  Country people talk about store clothes
+at home, but I never heard of shore clothes, before."
+
+"Well, it's my invention--an inspiration of the moment.  I'll make you
+a present of it.  Do you know, Faith, we'll have to buy some new
+handkerchiefs, or have ours laundered in some way.  I never used so
+many in my life."
+
+"You might do as the Carrollton girls, from Chicago, did when they were
+abroad, last year," remarked Bess with a laugh.  "There were so many of
+them that the laundry bills were dreadful, so they concluded to wash
+out their own handkerchiefs.  Of course they had no way of ironing
+them, so, while they were still very wet, they would plaster them up
+against the window-panes in the sun, to dry.  They said the embroidered
+ones would come out beautifully, just as if nicely pressed on the wrong
+side.  It got so they would look at the window panes the first thing,
+when they reached a hotel, or pension, to see if they were large enough
+for drying-boards.  And when they visited the Tuileries, as they all
+stood in silence, gazing at the great fountain, the lovely flowers, and
+the lawn of velvet, Minnie suddenly broke out, 'What a beautiful place
+to dry our handkerchiefs, girls!'"
+
+"How ridiculous!" cried Faith.  "I hope no such practical thought will
+mar the romance of our visit to Lisbon, to-day."
+
+"Oh, nothing could take your romance away," said Hope.  "A little more
+practicality wouldn't hurt you.  But come, I'm ready.  Let's go up and
+see the blessed land, even if it is only Portuguese soil."
+
+Thus talking and laughing they hastened deckwards, and many eyes turned
+upon them with pleasure as they appeared, so bright and rosy, and
+unconscious of anything but the enjoyment in hand.  Even Lady Moreham's
+face relaxed, and her eyes followed them with a wistful expression, as
+she remarked, _sotto voce_, "How sweetly they look!"
+
+"Sweet, you mean," hinted Mrs. Poinsett at her elbow, with a
+deferential air, yet decided tone.
+
+The other turned with a quick, impatient sigh, and half-resentful
+manner, but in a moment moved closer and said humbly,
+
+"Thank you for the correction!  Do not let my smallest errors escape
+you."
+
+Mrs. Poinsett bent her dignified head.
+
+"I obey you, my lady, though it is hard for both of us."
+
+"Yes, everything is hard, but no matter."
+
+And now all eyes were gazing shorewards, for Lisbon presents a
+beautiful appearance when approached from the water, rising, as she
+does, in terraces which overlook the noble Tagus, and are in turn
+overlooked by the Sierras, ending in the Peak of Lisbon, at its mouth.
+Arriving thus, one does not see the filth and squalor, the tumble-down
+buildings, unpaved streets, or many poor mean houses tucked in among
+the grander ones.  Lisbon has sometimes been called "The Sultana of the
+West," and the comparison is apt enough, for like many a sultana her
+first appearance is conspicuously beautiful, but she will not bear too
+close inspection.  Her jewels are often mere colored glass, her
+embroideries tawdry, and her garments not over clean.
+
+But in the brilliant sunshine of this glowing noon Portugal's capital
+sat throned in majesty, and the passengers were enthusiastic in their
+praises.
+
+"Come!" cried Dwight, appearing like a bombshell in their midst.  "Are
+you ready, girls?  We're going ashore together, and while the captain
+runs about on his affairs, uncle and mother are going to trot us around
+wherever we want to go.  Then, by and by, we're to meet him in the
+Place of Commerce, and go for dinner at the Braganza.  He and uncle
+have fixed it all up.  Hip, hooray!  Won't it be jolly to be on land
+again?"
+
+But it proved slow work making their way in, for the river's mouth,
+which broadens into a noble harbor, was choked with the shipping of
+many lands, which had doubtless been detained by the fog of last night.
+As the young people leaned over the guard rail, it was great fun to
+watch the crowd of clumsy little native boats, laden with fruit and
+wine, which were hovering about the steamer, and getting in the way of
+everybody, while crying their wares.  Many of these boatmen seemed as
+dark in complexion as any East Indian on board, and nearly all wore
+ear-rings, generally of silver, in the dingy lobes of their ears.  They
+seemed noisy and quarrelsome, and often shrieked what seemed like
+terrible imprecations at each other, shaking their fists and scowling
+darkly, only to be laughing carelessly the next minute, as if nothing
+mattered.  Dwight was about motioning one man to fling him up a bunch
+of figs, in exchange for the silver coin in his fingers, when his uncle
+called them to the other side of the deck, which was just as well, for
+it would have had to be a splendid toss and catch had he secured them.
+
+Mr. Lawrence wanted to point out the difference between a clumsy coast
+lugger just putting out to sea, and a clean little clipper-built
+English yacht coming in.  He said,
+
+"It is a difference that you will see in almost everything here.  The
+Portuguese do not know the meaning of the word thrift, as we understand
+it, and if cleanliness is not next to godliness with them, it certainly
+is next to royalty, for it never descends to the common people."
+
+When, at last, they went on shore and left the wharves behind, most of
+the bustle died away, and they could see that Mr. Lawrence had only
+told the truth, in the easy way in which all business seemed to be
+managed.
+
+But they found much to admire and enjoy in the odd costumes and people
+they were constantly meeting; more, as Hope rather contemptuously
+remarked, than in the buildings, which were "just like houses anywhere."
+
+She was right enough, for this is largely true on the seaward side of
+Lisbon.  Her quaintness, and squalor also, lie further inland, where
+the old quarters are to be found.
+
+"So you don't think Lisbon has many novelties, Miss Hosmer?" laughed
+Mr. Lawrence, who thought there was more fun in the young people than
+in scenes that were not new to him.  "Just wait a bit!  We are coming
+to something now."
+
+He led the way into a pleasant enclosure, or placa, as they call it
+there, saying carelessly, "Let's cross to the other side."
+
+They started briskly enough, but in a minute Hope flung out a hand as
+if for support.
+
+"Oh, I can't stand up another minute!" she cried.  "It makes me
+seasick."
+
+But Dwight caught her arm and laughingly urged her on, stumbling and
+protesting, for this is known as Rolling Motion Square, and is paved in
+gray-blue stone to represent billows in motion.  So complete is the
+effect that those who are still giddy from ocean travel find it a trial
+to walk across it.
+
+"Dwight," called his mother admonishingly, "you will weary the patience
+of these young ladies.  Come and help your mother a minute, can't you?"
+
+"Of course I can, mommy, provided Miss Hope will release me, but she is
+clinging awfully tight just now!"
+
+Amid the laughter his uncle sent him forward with a push, and offered
+his own arm.
+
+"Get out, you rascal!  We're nearly across, Miss Hosmer, and I'm very
+glad of an opportunity to monopolize you for a little.  I see you are
+not greatly impressed with Portugal; you don't like it so well
+as--well, Lynn, for instance?"
+
+"Now you are laughing at me, but indeed I do not!  Do you know, Mr.
+Lawrence, I have always wished we girls were Americans in real
+earnest--to live there, you understand.  I love England, too, but while
+I was with Uncle Albert at Lynn, he used to talk to me a great deal
+about that grand United States and it seems to me a wonderful land.
+Faith was not so strong as I, and used to stay in more--you see, uncle
+was not really in the busy part, but well out where it was more like
+the country--and she did not go about with him as I did.  Once he took
+me to Plymouth, and when he showed me that rock with the railing around
+it, and told me about those Pilgrim fathers braving the sea and
+savages, just to worship God as they thought was right, it seemed to me
+as if my whole soul bowed down in reverence!  From that minute I was an
+American girl--a New England girl--and I have kept true to my father's
+country ever since."
+
+"I think," said Mr. Lawrence, thoughtfully, "that there is something in
+the foundation of our New England which gives it an interest beyond
+that of almost any region known, and it certainly appeals to any nature
+which has an enthusiasm for the heroic and noble.  Many countries have
+been acquired through bloodshed, by conquest and because of greed and
+glory, but a country whose foundations were laid in the rights of
+conscience only, whose progenitors took God alone for their Leader, and
+his rules and service for their code--who came in peace and poverty,
+demanding nothing but the right to live and die true men--ah! no wonder
+New England is proud of her forefathers."
+
+"What Portuguese hero are you lecturing about now, uncle?" called back
+Dwight, saucily, but was at once suppressed by his mother.  Hope
+answered lightly,
+
+"We have found better heroes than those old Portuguese fighters, we
+think; haven't we, Mr. Lawrence?"
+
+"Yes.  Still, there is one man whom I greatly admire, of this nation,
+and I think we will visit his statue next.  What do you know about Luiz
+de Camoes, or, as we write it, Camoens, Dwight?"
+
+"Gracious!  Nothing at all; never heard of him.  Was he a fighter?"
+
+"Hardly.  At any rate he did his fighting in a noble way--rather like
+heaping coals of fire I should say.  He was a writer."
+
+"Oh, tell us about him, uncle."
+
+"What!  A lecture?  But that is not admissible in polite society."
+
+"Now, don't tease.  You know we are all dying to hear about him.
+Proceed!"
+
+"Dying?" put in Mrs. Vanderhoff.  "How extravagantly you talk, my son."
+
+"Well, crazy, then."
+
+She laughed hopelessly.
+
+"Go on, pray," she said to her brother.  "He simply leaps from the
+frying-pan into the fire."
+
+"De Camoens," he said, "was by no means without faults, but he was
+gifted, generous, forgiving, and brave.  He was foolish enough to love
+a lady too near the throne, and on that account was banished, and
+endured many hardships for years.  Yet he did not let this dampen his
+love of country, and his loyalty to the government.  Though an exile,
+he wrote a romantic epic extolling the deeds of his countrymen in all
+ages, which has become a great classic, and has made both them and
+himself immortal.  I call that a generous deed!  He died poor and
+unnoticed, but now his people make an idol of him, and his statue is
+one of the sights of Lisbon."
+
+"Did he live here?" asked Faith.  "That is, when he was not in exile?"
+
+"Yes, this was his home."
+
+"And his poem was the Lusiad," added Mrs. Vanderhoff.
+
+"Why, I've heard of that!" cried Dwight.  "We had something about it in
+our Rhetoric."
+
+"And here," said Mr. Lawrence, pointing down a street into which they
+had turned, "you catch your first glimpse of his statue.  Poor fellow!
+I wonder if he knows of the tardy recognition, wherever he is now?"
+
+They stood some time before this monument to an unfortunate genius,
+then started on a lively exploration of the streets and shops, which
+was perhaps more interesting to the ladies than to their escort.  At
+any rate it was with something like a sigh of relief that he at length
+glanced at his watch, and declared it was time to meet the captain in
+the Place of Commerce, close by.
+
+This is a conspicuous square in Lisbon, and they had already visited
+some of its arcaded shops, but without taking special note of its
+attractions.  Now they had leisure to stroll about and admire the fine
+public buildings, and the exquisite flowers and foliage.  Quite
+suddenly they came upon the captain who was, to the great astonishment
+of his daughters, walking leisurely about in company with Lady Moreham
+and Mrs. Poinsett.  They all stopped to exchange greetings, and finally
+wandered over to the open side of the square, where is a fine view of
+the Tagus, with its varied shipping and busy shores.  As they were
+turning to make their way to the hotel for dinner, Faith found herself
+beside the English lady, who said in a gentle voice, which seemed oddly
+out of place with her reserved, almost haughty, manner,
+
+"Have you enjoyed the afternoon, my child?"
+
+"Very much, thank you," said Faith.  "There are so many queer-looking
+people, and it is diverting to visit all these open booths, and try to
+understand their jargon and make them understand ours.  I feel in a
+dream sometimes."
+
+"Then you have not traveled largely?"
+
+"Very little, my lady."
+
+"I heard you and your sister speak of being in the United States some
+time, did I not?"
+
+"Oh yes, a year.  Our father was born there."
+
+"And you were in Boston?"
+
+"Yes, many times."
+
+"Did you ever go to any of the suburbs--Brookline, for instance?"
+
+"I was there twice.  We had friends living there.  Isn't it a charming
+place?  It made me think of some of our prettiest English towns."
+
+"Oh, it is better--that is, I have heard it spoken of as a little
+paradise.  Did you go about considerable?"
+
+Faith glanced at her, surprised by several things.  First, there was a
+wistful note in her voice which seemed singular when speaking of a town
+never visited; second, with all her precise use of language, once in a
+while this woman of the highest aristocracy made an odd slip in a
+grammatical way.  She was a somewhat puzzling compound.  Faith answered,
+
+"A little.  We rode up on Corey's Hill, of course, and around by the
+reservoir, and out towards Jamaica Pond--but you do not know, perhaps--"
+
+"Go on, pray!  I like to hear it."  The woman's manner was almost
+breathless with eagerness, and Faith, wondering still more, continued.
+"I enjoyed as much as anything just wandering around alone, and looking
+at the lovely homes.  I never was quite sure when I was in a real
+street, or in a private way, till I saw the signs up, and I used to
+wonder why these beautiful little lanes were labeled, 'Dangerous,' till
+uncle told me it was because they were private property, and the town
+would not be responsible for accidents that might happen there.  My
+friend lived in a park, with several houses set down at random, and
+pretty drives through it, and another little girl I visited lived well
+up the hill, and when she wanted to come down town in winter she just
+tucked herself up on a little sled, and coasted all the way.  I thought
+that must be great fun!"
+
+Lady Moreham's eyes were all alight.
+
+"I love to hear you tell about it!" she said.  "Some other time we will
+talk some more.  Your father is beckoning you to hurry, now, and there
+is my friend waiting for me impatiently.  But did you ever hear of
+Hale's story, The Man Without a Country?  Hale is an American writer."
+
+"I have heard of him, but have not read that story," returned the girl.
+
+"It is a sad one--a very sad one!  Good-by.  Thank you for a pleasant
+stroll.  I will see you again."
+
+She passed swiftly ahead, to join Mrs. Poinsett, and Faith turned aside
+to her own party, but when they joked her on making a conquest of the
+titled lady she only smiled dreamily, and saw an eager face, filled
+with almost girlish life, begging for childish particulars about a
+modest place in far-away New England.
+
+It was after sunset when, their excellent dinner over, they returned on
+board the dear old steamer, which seemed really like home as Joey
+smiled a welcome, Mr. Malcolm called a greeting down from the guards,
+and two or three of the babies ran from their ayahs' sides, along the
+deck, to meet them.  Even the Bengali boy grinned, as he cleared away
+some paper bags and fruit skins, and a little Mohammedan, who had been
+making a perch to which Texas could be chained when on deck, came with
+deep salaams to beg that they would step and see if it were
+satisfactory.  They expressed themselves much pleased, but Faith
+pointed to the long chain attached, and said.
+
+"I don't like that!  It makes me think of dungeons and criminals."
+
+"But we'd lose him without it," urged Hope.
+
+"I suppose so.  I'm glad, though, my pet is a cat, and does not need
+chains or cages, I'm going to tell the babies a story in the little
+saloon, Hope, if you want me.  They like it before they have to go to
+bed."
+
+An hour or so later the girls were resting idly in their own stateroom,
+when Faith asked, suddenly.  "What do you think of my lady?  Do you
+like her any better?"
+
+"You mean Lady Moreham?  Yes, I think I do.  What was she saying to
+you, anyhow, in the placa?"
+
+"Not much.  Simply asking questions.  I did the talking."
+
+"I thought at first she was horrid--proud and cross, you
+know,"--continued Hope, who was lolling indolently on the
+dimity-covered seat, in a loose gown, "but I'm not so certain of it,
+now.  There's something about her--I wonder if father ever knew her
+before?  He seems friendly with her, don't you think?"
+
+"Oh, he's friendly with everybody; it's his business to be.  And, of
+course, she is an important personage.  But she kept me talking about
+Brookline, to-day--you remember the pretty place just out from Boston
+don't you?--and it seemed odd she should care about it.  And did you
+notice, yesterday, whenever we spoke of--"
+
+"Yes, I did.  You can't mention America but she wakes up.  Other times
+she doesn't even seem to hear.  Perhaps she has been there, after all."
+
+"Possibly.  I wonder what she is going out to India for?"
+
+"Oh, to join her husband, probably.  That's what all the ladies go for,
+isn't it?"
+
+A tap at the door and their father's voice.
+
+"Asleep, girlies?"
+
+"Oh no, papa," cried Hope, throwing the door open.  "We are up yet, and
+as wide awake as hawks."
+
+"All right!  Get into your ulsters, and come up to the pilot-house.
+There's a fresh breeze springing up from N.N.E. that will send us
+spinning on our way, when we can catch it.  As soon as we get a good
+offing, you'll see as pretty a sight as you need ever expect to--the
+old 'International' under full canvas making her eighteen knots an hour
+for Gibraltar--lively now!"
+
+In a moment they were beside him, hastening to the elevated turret,
+with its outlook in every direction, and presently the girls were
+enchanted to watch the lively rattling of ropes and shrouds, the rapid
+unfurling of the great sails, that snapped to place as if clapping
+giant hands in joy.  When these caught the breeze and braced themselves
+to duty, there was a sort of thrill along the good ship, as if she had
+responded with one quick heart-beat.  Then, fair, still, magnificent,
+she glided away, leaving the twinkling lights of city and harbor to
+fade out in distance--first those low on the water, then the street
+lights on the terraces, and lastly one lone gleam in a distant tower
+that, like a friendly eye, still gazed after them when, far out in the
+open, they sailed smoothly on, the fires banked, and Steam gracefully
+yielding place to his older brother, Wind.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+KITE-FLYING AND GIBRALTAR.
+
+When they awoke, next morning, the engines were at work again, and
+their heavy thud, thud, was mingled with the swash of water, as the
+Bengali boys washed down decks, while a rattling of spars and creaking
+of cordage showed that sails were being set, or lowered.
+
+Hope, always wide awake at once, sprang from her little white couch to
+find that it was difficult to keep her footing on the sliding plane of
+her stateroom floor, but slipping into gown and ulster as quickly as
+possible, and bracing herself with extended hands through the narrow
+passageway to the deck, she was soon outside, gasping a little in the
+fresh wind that met her full in the face and caught her breath away.
+For the ship was now headed for the Straits, and steaming almost in the
+teeth of the brisk northeaster.
+
+There was not a hint of land, as far as the eye could see, and the
+waters, of a deep, cold blue, were white-capped to the horizon's edge.
+She felt dizzy, and most uncertain on her feet, but not six feet
+distant was a heap of low camp-chairs, huddled together out of the way
+of the still dripping deck planks.  If she could reach one and get to
+leeward of that capstan--but what should she hold on to meanwhile?
+
+And, even as she asked herself the question, the goodly steamer,
+happening to dip her lowest courtesy to a rude in-coming wave of giant
+proportions, shipped its combing crest, that poured through the
+latticed guard-rail and swirled across the deck, with a force, that
+sent poor Hope a drenched, doubled-up little heap of helplessness,
+pounding right into the midst of the chair-stack.
+
+Before she had time to cry out, however, she was caught up, and her
+father's voice, hoarse and frightened, asked quickly,
+
+"Are you hurt, love?--Are you hurt?"
+
+As she looked up into his anxious face, pale beneath the sun-bronze,
+Hope fully realized how deeply her father loved her, and answered in a
+much subdued voice,
+
+"No, papa--not much.  I think I've barked my knees and bumped my head,
+but I guess that's all--except the wetting!" shivering a little.
+
+"Yes, you mustn't take cold.  I'll help you right back, and send Martha
+to you.  You'd better crawl into your little nest again as soon as
+you're thoroughly dry, and don't venture outside again until I come and
+get you, my storm-bird."
+
+"Father," she said, as he was about leaving her at the cabin door, "do
+you _never_ sleep?  I left you up at midnight, and I find you up at
+dawn."
+
+"Sleep?  Oh, yes, sometimes.  That's the last thing a captain thinks
+of, though.  If I should sleep too much it might mean an eternal sleep
+for my passengers and crew.  Now hurry into bed and get warm, chicken.
+I'll see that you have some hot chocolate at once."
+
+It was nearly two hours later, and Hope had quite slept off the effects
+of her wetting, when the two girls ventured forth again, but now the
+motion was still and even, and the old ship steady as a house floor,
+for they were under the lee of Cape Trafalgar, making swift time for
+Tarifa and the Straits.
+
+As the girls sat lazily, after their morning's outlook, in the pleasant
+saloon, amid a group of ladies and children, listening to the cheerful
+chatter going on about them, and laughing at the antics of the little
+tots playing about in charge of their gaily-turbaned Indian ayahs, or
+nurses, Dwight came in, all excitement, and cried,
+
+"Come, girls, we're going to have an exhibition.  Loo Wing has made an
+elegant kite--regular Chinese one, you know--and we're going to fly it
+from the after-deck.  Hurry up!"
+
+They hastily followed his rush around the guards, and after them
+trailed all the children old enough to run alone, and many of the
+mothers, for anything new is welcome at sea.  On the after-deck they
+found the captain, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Malcolm, and other passengers,
+assisting the cook's boy, Loo Wing, inputting the last touches to a
+singular erection of red, yellow, and purple, made of crinkled paper,
+which looked like a hybrid creature, half bird, half dragon.
+
+Loo Wing had it in hand, and Mr. Lawrence was adjusting its immensely
+long tail, while the captain was paying out twine from a stick.
+
+"Oh, uncle!" called Dwight in an agonized voice, "you know I was to
+start it.  Loo Wing promised I should."
+
+"Well, well, who said you weren't?  We're only making ready.  But be
+careful and not let it get tangled in the rigging," was quickly
+returned.
+
+"No, indeed!" cried the boy, trembling with excitement, as he received
+from the smiling oriental the gaudy thing, and started for the taffrail
+eager to see it off on its aerial journey.
+
+But he was in too great a hurry, and despite warning cries from Captain
+Hosmer, Loo Wing, and the Bengali boy, who was supposed to be polishing
+the brass rod of the taffrail, he sent the kite up just in season for a
+contrary puff of wind to catch its extended wings, and blow it squarely
+into the topmost shrouds and ratlines of the mizzen-mast, where,
+entangled in the network of ropes, it fluttered helplessly.
+
+Poor Dwight was almost beyond speaking in his despair, when the little
+Bengali, with a swift, beseeching look at his captain, sprang forward
+and ran up the rope-ladder with the lithe, quick motion of a monkey.
+
+"Oh, don't let him!" cried Faith, but her father only laughed.
+
+"He's used to it, don't worry!" he said, and thus assured, they watched
+the brown lad's dizzy climb until the kite was reached.  Here, hanging
+on by his toes, apparently, to the cross-bar, he bent over and loosened
+the erratic flyer.  Then, holding it far out, he looked down for
+further orders.
+
+"Shall he let her go, Master Dwight?" said the captain.  "It's your
+kite to command.  Here's the twine, and hang tight, if he does, for
+'twill give you a strong pull."
+
+"Yes, let her fly!" cried Dwight, excitedly, bracing himself and gazing
+upwards.
+
+The little Indian waited for a favorable instant, then with a prolonged
+"Hi-yi!" that drew the attention of all on board, gave it a light toss
+to leeward, which sent it off like a bird, indeed.  Luckily, it had not
+been torn by its temporary delay, and now, caught aft by the wind, it
+sailed up and away with a force that fairly dragged Dwight across the
+deck until, laughing heartily, the captain eased him by a grasp on the
+twine, until he could "get another cinch," as the lad explained, and
+pay it out more rapidly.
+
+It really made a beautiful appearance against the blue sky, with its
+gay colors and extended wings, and Loo Wing clapped his hands in
+delight, while the passengers cheered lustily.  They watched it till it
+was a mere speck in the canopy, and Dwight greatly amused the little
+ones by sending up "letters," or bits of white paper, on the twine.
+But after an hour or two of this fun, the captain sang out,
+
+"Better tie your bird to the taffrail and take a look for'ards pretty
+soon.  'Twill pay for the trouble."
+
+They acted upon his advice, making a rush for the forward deck, and saw
+that it was well worth a longer journey than from end to end of a great
+steamer.
+
+They were nearing the Straits; already Tarifa's white fortress was
+smiling in friendly fashion across the narrowing waters, while, on the
+other hand, the hazy spurs of Atlas outlined the African coast.  And as
+they gazed delightedly, with much laughter over the roughening waves,
+which made it necessary for them to wedge themselves into convenient
+nooks in order to stand upright, they saw great Gibraltar looming up
+somber, massive, and gray-blue, with the frown of a giant defying the
+universe.
+
+No wonder the ancients thought these opposite heights, so impregnable,
+so sentinel-like, were gates set by the gods to define earth's outer
+boundaries, beyond which the most daring mariner must never sail.
+
+As our friends watched the broad slope of Calpe, lying in the full
+sunshine of a brilliant noon, its ledges bristling with bastions and
+cannon, above the little town which seems to nestle beneath in
+contented safety, Faith turned to her sister with kindling eyes.
+
+"Now, aren't you proud of our mother, England?  Where in all the world
+is there such another fortress commanding the entrance to two oceans,
+and looking down upon two continents, I'd like to know?"
+
+Hope looked up in amazement.
+
+"Well, Faith, I never heard you soar into such eloquence, before.  You
+have subjugated me!  What shall I do?  Sing 'God save the Queen,' or
+shout 'For England and St. George'?  I'm at your service.  But then,"
+she added mischievously, "I don't think it was such a wonderful thing
+for its garrison to hold out over three years, as our history tells us
+they did, for what could all the warships France and Spain might bring,
+ever accomplish against that solid rock?"
+
+"Ah! but it was a gallant resistance, just the same!" cried Mr.
+Lawrence, as he joined them.  "There has, perhaps, never been such a
+fierce and prolonged bombardment as that, and Europe looked on with
+wonder, as every resource of two great nations was brought to bear
+against that garrison of seven thousand men, who could not be starved,
+nor conquered.  It looked black for them, sometimes, but British
+endurance and red-hot shot won the day, and the carnage on board those
+ill-fated vessels during the last of the fierce engagement was beyond
+anything recorded in history.  They simply _had_ to give it up!"
+
+As they now slowly steamed up the beautiful bay it was almost like
+sailing over a mill-pond, after the past roughness, for it lay still
+beneath the vertical sun, and was thronged with shipping of every
+description and nationality.  Presently there came a reverberation that
+seemed to ricochet from rock and wave, and a little girl cried blankly,
+
+"Oh dear!  Are they firing at us?"
+
+But an officer called out,
+
+"No, it's a Russian corvette, saluting.  See its dragon flag of black
+and yellow?  Now--watch!"
+
+He pointed shorewards just as a puff of white smoke issued from an
+innocent-looking clump of trees on the rocky hillside, which preceded
+the sound of an answering boom from the iron lips of the fortress.
+This was repeated many times, the hoarse cannon barks alternating
+between gun-ship and shore, in an awe-inspiring exchange of courtesies.
+As the girls grew used to the thunderous sounds they delighted to
+speculate from which bastion, or ledge, or flowering bush, would come
+that little puff of smoke, to be followed by the lightning and thunder
+of man's invention, scarcely less terrible than those of nature's cloud
+contests.
+
+"I'm glad to have seen it," said Faith somewhat tremulously, when the
+salvo was over.  "It gives one some idea of what it might be if that
+fortress were really firing for business.  Just think how dreadful!"
+
+"But do tell me," cried her sister, "how can trees and shrubs grow so
+luxuriantly on that rocky soil, and what keeps the houses from blowing
+off some of those steep cliffs?  Do you know, I never supposed there
+were any houses, before.  I thought, from the pictures, that the rock
+went straight up out of the water, with the fort stuck on top, like a
+thimble on a big chocolate caramel.  But here's a regular town."
+
+Mr. Lawrence laughed.
+
+"It's odd, the ideas we get of places till we see them!  To be sure,
+the rock is nearly perpendicular to the north and east, but here, as
+you see, it makes a long slope to the water's edge, and the cliff is
+broken into many elevations.  Of course, you'll go ashore and take a
+closer look at it all?"
+
+"Yes, father's going with us.  We'll be here quite a while to take on
+coal, and he wants us to see the galleries, and the signal-station."
+
+"And I want to see the tailless monkeys," added Dwight, as he joined
+them.  "We'll have a procession to brag of, for nearly everybody's
+going ashore.  Mr. Malcolm's to lead the van with the children, he
+says, and Mrs. Campbell is to close up the rear of his section, while
+mother follows with ours.  They've been laughing about it over there.
+Ah, there's Bess beckoning!  Be sure and join us, girls."
+
+"Yes, when father comes.  Goody! here he is.  We're all ready, papa."
+
+"So am I, but you'll have to wait till I've attended to my papers--but
+it won't take long.  Just follow on."
+
+The passengers were soon streaming shorewards over the long pier, and
+sniffing with delight the fresh odor of flowers that filled the air,
+which, to Hope, was a continual wonder, for she could not yet accept
+the fact of lovely English gardens on this gray old rock.
+
+A walk through the paved streets, with their home-like dwellings,
+stores, churches, and official buildings only increased this wonder,
+and her stock of adjectives was soon exhausted.  Mr. Malcolm,
+naturally, led them first to the market, where business called him, and
+here the girls were specially interested in the flowers, some of the
+booths being fancifully arranged with a bewildering display.
+
+The people they met seemed of every complexion and country, from groups
+of tourists in the latest fashion to a couple of long-robed Parsees,
+with their funny little caps perched above their black polls.  Bess
+indicated another passer-by, and said in a low tone, "What an old maid
+of a man!" and certainly, with his straight gown, and a high comb stuck
+up in his back hair which was coiled into a tight knot, the
+dark-skinned fellow did strongly suggest a typical spinster.
+
+Even Hope looked pleased, and Faith's eyes glittered as a small company
+of British soldiery, from the barracks, in red coats and white helmets,
+and with fresh young faces, came clattering down the street, and
+returned the greetings of the gentlemen, and smiles of the ladies, with
+their military salute, and a second glance in the direction of their
+pretty young countrywomen.
+
+Some of the party, who were not good climbers, had been accommodated
+with donkeys at the hotel, before starting for the galleries, but many
+walked, and it was a long and somewhat straggling procession.
+
+The galleries mentioned are long passageways, cut through the solid
+rock, and pierced with portholes at regular intervals, so that the
+gun-muzzles, which peer through them, can command town, bay, and
+neutral ground.  Faith, whose reverence for this old citadel grew every
+minute, felt that the clatter of the donkey's heels, the gay calling
+back and forth, and the cries of the children ought, in these dim
+tunnels, to be hushed into awed silence.  But no one else seemed so
+impressed, though the men made measurements and discussed the labor and
+expense of such enginery, as if it were a great achievement.
+
+As they emerged she found herself close by Lady Moreham, also walking,
+who remarked carelessly,
+
+"You look solemn, Miss Hosmer."
+
+"Do I?  I think all this strength and power are wonderful, don't you,
+my lady?"
+
+"Yes, and awful!  It oppresses me.  When England lays her hand on
+anything it is a heavy hand.  The victim must yield, or die."
+
+"And yet, surely our people are comfortable and wisely ruled?  We are a
+happy nation."
+
+"Perhaps--of course.  I was speaking of her in the abstract, merely.
+But is it not true that the marked characteristic of all Englishmen is
+tyranny?  Don't they rule wherever they go?  Aren't they always and
+everywhere the dominant class--the oppressors?  Watch the British
+tourist in any far country.  Does he ever conform to its customs in the
+least?  No, he forces them to come to his ways.  You will see this in
+every port we enter, every hotel we visit.  English ideas govern
+everything."
+
+"But why shouldn't they?" asked Faith, feeling as if rather beyond her
+depth, but bound to be loyal to her country.  "If they have conquered
+these people, haven't they the right to make laws for them?"
+
+"Oh, laws!  Yes.  But not to strip them of all originality, all
+independent thought and manner.  They need not change their tastes,
+their habits, their traditions--but there! what does a girl like you
+know, or care, about all this, to be sure?  Your wings have never felt
+the cold shears of British superiority, nor your heart been wounded by
+the sneers and scorn of her aristocracy."
+
+She smiled bitterly, and Faith was puzzled to know what she could mean
+when she, herself, was a distinguished member of the class she seemed
+to take issue with.
+
+They were separated then, and Faith borne on by the younger ones, but
+as she looked out over the bay, with its forest of shipping, and down
+at the terraced streets just below, she thought it a strange thing that
+so favored a woman should rail at her own country and kinsmen.  It
+oppressed her loyal little heart, for she had begun to like the titled
+lady, and hated to find so grave a flaw in her nature.
+
+The signal house, perched like an eagle's nest on its rocky spur,
+proved intensely interesting, though it was difficult to remember what
+all the instruments were for, while the signal flags and their many
+combinations were a complete mystery.  Perhaps they enjoyed all the
+more the visit to the tailless monkeys, that Dwight insisted upon
+later, where they did not expect to be learned, but only to look and
+laugh to their young hearts' content.
+
+Dwight was anxious to own one, but his uncle resisted his entreaties,
+declaring that monkeys--with, or without tails--would be a drug in the
+market long before they returned to New York.
+
+It was late afternoon when they steamed out of the New Mole, and as
+they looked back upon the precipitous eastern face of Gibraltar, and
+watched the signal station, which now seemed sitting on a mere
+knife-edge of rock, and the roads winding up like paths for birds to
+light on, it did not seem as if they could have found them so roomy
+when on the spot.  In dreamy mood Faith watched the surf, ceaselessly
+beating itself against that massive wall, only to fall back bruised and
+broken.  It saddened her, and she was not surprised, after the first
+shock of it, to see that Lady Moreham, standing near by, was gazing
+also, with tear-filled eyes.
+
+As Faith discovered her emotion, the lady, believing herself
+unobserved, turned with a gesture that was eloquent of despair, and
+Faith heard her murmuring, "It is like my life--oh! pitiless, pitiless."
+
+Half frightened, the girl slipped behind an intervening barrier, and
+stole away.
+
+"Poor lady!" she thought, almost in tears herself.  "I would not have
+her know I heard for anything.  What can make her so unhappy?  She
+seems to have no friends, no country.  I do not believe it is pride,
+either, nor any feeling of rank and exclusiveness that keeps her so
+shut in, else why should she be so pleasant to me?  It is some great
+misery, I'm sure.  God help, and pity her!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+NIGHTMARE AND GOSSIP.
+
+I think it must have been half nightmare, or perhaps too much frozen
+pudding at dinner, after the long warm tramp up Gibraltar's steep
+sides; at any rate it all happened just as I tell you.  Hope retired
+somewhat earlier than the rest, leaving Faith in the saloon, where the
+passengers were enjoying an impromptu concert given by a Romany man and
+his two daughters, who had come on board at Gibraltar to exhibit their
+skill with mandolin, tambourine, voice, and guitar.
+
+It grew a bit monotonous and shrill, after the novelty wore off, and as
+Hope had become interested in a book some one had lent her, which told
+about the old pirates of Algiers and their traffic in Christian slaves,
+she stole away to her stateroom, slipped into a loose gown, and turning
+on the electric light at her bedhead, settled down for an enjoyable
+evening.
+
+It proved to be a blood-curdling narrative, filled with the accounts of
+helpless crews butchered by pirates and their passengers, men, women,
+and children carried off in chains, to be sold as slaves in the wicked
+old Algerian city.  Yet, though so thrilling, she was very tired, and
+in time it was difficult to keep her place and realize just what it was
+all about.  Half mechanically, at last, she turned off the light and
+lay back on her pillow where, in less time than it takes to tell it,
+she was sound asleep.  Still, however, the pirates of her book mingled
+with her dreams, which were so horrible she struggled into
+wakefulness--to find herself drenched with perspiration while shivering
+with horror.  Anxious for companionship to counteract the effect of
+these evil visions, she reached out an arm to the other little bed and
+whispered, "Faith!"
+
+With a shock she discovered that the bed was smooth and empty; it had
+not been occupied.  At the same instant she became aware of whispering
+voices just without the porthole above her bed, and a sentence or two
+proved they were not English-speaking voices, either, but those of
+orientals, of whom, as you know, there were many on shipboard.  At
+first she could not understand a word, they spoke so low and rapidly,
+but presently she heard with clearness the sentence,
+
+"But ee mus' be kill eef she do care!  It can no be help, now."
+
+Then more whispers, and then again, distinctly, one urging the other to
+attend to the matter at once, the quicker the better, "foh eet gotta
+be," and a word or two about the "Capitan Sahib," which she could not
+catch.
+
+But, in her abnormal, excited state, she had heard enough.  Trembling
+from the tragedies of sleep, she thought she had fallen into the
+greater ones of reality.  These men were going to kill somebody--and
+"she" was to feel dreadfully about it.  It must be that the "Capitan
+Sahib" was to fall a victim to their mutinous designs!
+
+Almost paralyzed with horror she lay still an instant, incapable of
+movement, then there was a rushing back of suspended animation as she
+felt that Faith might already have suffered, that her father's life was
+now in danger and there was not an instant to lose.  Upon her prompt
+action might depend his life, and the safety of all on board.
+
+Casting off her own terror with the resolve of desperation, she sprang
+up and sped into the cabin.  It was dark and empty.  She passed through
+it into the little stateroom, and with a whispered, "Papa!  Papa!" felt
+along the bunk.  It too was empty and untumbled.
+
+Oh, was she too late?
+
+Still under the mental influence that made her believe hours must have
+passed during her dreamings, she felt it must be nearing morning
+now--that it was the depth of the night, in those darkest watches when
+all evil deeds are done, and she was stiff and cold with terror.  She
+slipped out upon the deck, lying still and shadowy under its awnings,
+sped across it like a shadow herself, and so on and up to the bridge.
+
+Her father, calmly talking with one of his officers, saw the swift,
+silent rush, and the next instant heard an agonized, "O father!
+father!" as the poor child threw herself into his arms, Then, clinging
+tightly, she broke out again before he could speak.
+
+"Oh, save sister!  Be quick and save her!"
+
+"Save her?  What--where--what ails you, child?  What has happened?"
+
+"And save yourself!  Get the men together--the white men--"
+
+"My child, are you asleep?  What is the matter--where have you been?
+Why, you are shaking like a leaf!"
+
+He drew her to one side, and the officer discreetly vanished.  Hope
+begged again, "Save her, oh, save Faith!"
+
+"Faith?  Aren't you Faith?  I thought you were.  Is this my dauntless
+Hope, then?  Why, how strange!  Tell me everything."
+
+"It's those awful Lascars, papa.  I've always been afraid of them, they
+look so big and black.  They're planning to kill somebody--to kill
+you--and Faith is gone already."
+
+"Gone?  What nonsense is this?  She's in the cabin, likely.  You must
+have a nightmare, Hope!"
+
+"But isn't it most morning, papa?"
+
+"Not anywhere near it--nor midnight either.  Faith is somewhere about,
+and as for killing--absurd!  This isn't one bit like you, child.
+Haven't you been dreaming?"
+
+She told him then of her horrible awakening, and repeated the talk she
+had heard below the porthole.
+
+"Humph!" he said.  "You're mistaken in their designs, but they
+certainly had no business in that part of the ship.  I must see about
+that.  Come; I'll take you in and hunt up sister."  This was said in a
+rather loud voice, made stern by his surprise and annoyance.  In a
+moment it softened.  "There, there, don't tremble so, my child; it's
+all right, and everybody is safe enough."
+
+He led her into the cabin, quickly flooded it with electric light, and,
+summoning a boy, sent him for Mrs. Jordan, who soon appeared.  Briefly
+mentioning that his daughter had a slight chill and he would leave her
+to look after the child, he started off.  Hope was scarcely tucked up
+again when her sister came in, looking rather conscious, and blushing a
+little.
+
+"Are you ill, dear?" she cried.  "Papa said you had a nightmare and a
+chill.  He is quite upset, and a little cross."
+
+"Oh, where have you been?" returned Hope reproachfully.  "I was so
+frightened when I found you gone."
+
+"Gone?  Why, I haven't been in, yet.  You went to bed so early, Hope!
+It's only about half-past ten.  I've been walking the deck--it's a
+lovely night, as soft and warm as can be."
+
+"With Dwight?" asked Hope languidly, for in Martha Jordan's practised
+hands she was growing warm and drowsy again.
+
+"N-no, not Dwight," answered Faith hesitantly.  "I'll tell you about it
+soon.  Here comes papa."
+
+She opened the door into his cabin, and gave a cry of horrified
+surprise.  "Oh, oh! how did it happen?"
+
+"What?" shrieked Hope, all nerves again.
+
+"There!  Be quiet now," said her father, and entered quickly, carrying
+a limp little bundle of fawn and white.
+
+"Hafiz!  It's Hafiz!  What has happened? Is he dead?"
+
+"I'm afraid he is.  Your Lascars turned out to be our Mohammedans, Huri
+and his brother, two as faithful creatures as I have on board.  It
+seems Hafiz, for some reason, found himself weary of first-cabin
+passage, so made his way into the fo'castle, where a dog belonging to
+one of the men took after him, and hurt him badly.  Huri found him and
+saw he must be finished, but hated to do it, and, with his brother, was
+discussing the matter while looking for you girls.  Faith, where have
+you been this last hour or so?"
+
+The girl's eyes were flooded with tears for her lost pet, and
+involuntarily his face softened as he turned to her.  She flushed a
+little, but answered at once, "On the upper deck, sir."
+
+"Ah! that was you then?  I saw the couple promenading there.  Well,
+well, you'd better keep with your sister after this, and look after
+your own passengers," with a glance at the dead cat, "instead of mine,
+eh?  Now, now, Hope, don't cry so!" for, quite worn out by all this
+excitement, the girl was sobbing in a somewhat hysterical manner.
+
+"Yes, that's enough!" cried Martha in her hearty way.  "No use crying
+over spilled milk, nor dead pets--even when they're Persian cats.
+You'll find there are one or two more in the world, I guess.  Now just
+cuddle down there and keep still, or we'll have to give you a dose of
+something to quiet you, and it's bitter stuff to take, I can tell you.
+Perhaps, if you'll just curl in beside her, Miss Faith, she'll ease
+down sooner."
+
+The stewardess was right, for when Hope felt her twin's tender arms
+about her she soon grew quiet, and as soon as they were alone whispered
+with much interest, "But who was with you on deck, Faith?"
+
+"Well I'll tell you, and it's nothing to make such a fuss over, either.
+Do you remember that young officer we saw bidding his mother and sister
+good-by at Portsmouth--the ones that were so quiet about it?"
+
+"Oh, yes; and his sweetheart too."
+
+"No, that was his cousin, who lives with them.  I got acquainted with
+him to-night, and he is a real gentleman.  We were walking up and down,
+and he was telling me about his people, and his service in India.  He
+is to be a sort of traveling officer to take out recruits, you see.
+He's delighted with the appointment, but his father was lost in a
+monsoon on the Indian Ocean, a few years ago, and it nearly killed his
+mother to let him go--she is sort of superstitious about it.  Don't you
+remember how she fainted?"
+
+"Yes, indeed.  Poor lady!  And he is nice, is he?"
+
+"Yes and intelligent, but bashful.  He said he had often watched us,
+and can never tell us apart, but he thinks he'll be able to, after
+this."
+
+"Oh, he does?" giggled Hope.  "I'll wager I could fool him any day, if
+I tried.  Well, you gave me a nice fright while you were having such a
+good time," and thereupon she told her tale as you have just heard it,
+and so short a step is it from tragedy to comedy, especially in youth,
+that they both laughed over it until they fell asleep.
+
+Meanwhile, on deck, a watchful father saw a young man standing near the
+gunwale in idle contemplation of the horizon, and accosted him with a
+pleasant word to which the other responded with readiness, though his
+manner was somewhat diffident.  The two talked some time, the older man
+becoming more and more interested in a youth who, with a real manliness
+of character, was yet as bashful as a schoolboy.  Before the
+conversation ended Captain Hosmer was convinced there was not only "no
+harm in the fellow," but that he was a young man worth cultivating,
+and, as he finally left him, chuckled to himself.
+
+"Ah! these girls.  They require an awful sight of looking after, but
+sometimes their instincts are as good as our judgments.  Faith is a
+little woman with her mother's own purity.  How she used to worry for
+fear I should grow hard and wicked in my rough life.  Ah! my Helen,
+wherever you are, to-night, know that I am trying to keep myself
+steering straight for the Port that you have reached--and, God helping
+me, I will bring the babies safe along, too!"
+
+He bowed his head on his hands a minute, and the old steersman,
+watching him, thought, with affectionate sympathy.
+
+"The capt'n's tired to-night, and no wonder.  Wish he'd turn in and get
+a good rest for once, Never saw a man so faithful, bless him!  Glad
+he's got them nice little girls to make him brace up these
+days--sometimes I think as he's getting old too fast."
+
+The next morning the twins were late in rising only to find it a
+summer's day, apparently, so balmy indeed that the deck seemed to be
+blossoming out into a flower-bed, as group after group of ladies
+appeared in gay lawns and organdies, while all the Mohammedan helpers
+were busy stretching double awnings where there had been single ones,
+or none at all, and rigging up the punkahs in the saloons.  These odd
+fans, which England has borrowed, name and all, from her East Indian
+colonies, were, on the "International," tricolored (red, white, and
+blue) strips of cloth, stretched over light wire frames of a
+rectangular shape, which were attached to the ceiling and also, by
+means of a long rope, to a black-eyed Bengali boy who sat just outside
+the door, on deck, and kept them waving by a slow, constant jerk and
+pull, which was so regular that Faith declared the boy slept half the
+time, and possibly she was right.  The ocean lay peacefully about them,
+its color almost an indigo, so deeply blue was it in the shadow of the
+vessel, but out a little way silvered by the vertical sun, which shone
+with a blinding splendor that made colored eye-glasses a relief to the
+dazzled vision.
+
+It is in such weather that mischief breeds on shipboard, and gossip is
+rife.  The idle passengers, by this time mostly on speaking terms,
+begin to let the common metal of their real make-up show through the
+nickel-plating of the first interchange of courtesies.
+
+There was a group whom our special friends had not yet mingled with
+quite freely, though always meeting them in pleasant fashion, but as
+everybody clustered sociably on the forward deck, this morning, anxious
+to catch the ship's own breeze, if no other, they might naturally
+become better acquainted.  Of these only a few affect our little
+history, therefore need description; first, a mother and two daughters
+going out to the husband and father in India.  Mrs. Windemere was a
+little woman with an habitually scared expression and retiring manner,
+but her daughters, both well towards thirty, must have taken after the
+father, for they were domineering with her and self-assertive
+everywhere.  They claimed relationship with some person who bore a
+title, and were given to talking a good deal about their aristocratic
+relatives, and they dressed conspicuously, demanded constant attention
+from any gentlemen present, and were full of news and rumors.
+
+With them was a young woman of like age, whom they familiarly called
+Zaidee, who had spent much time in India, and had caught its languor,
+possibly.  She was more agreeable in manner and pretended indifference
+to all that the "girls," as she called them, were interested in;
+dressed quietly, but in excellent taste, and talked in her dreamy,
+drawling voice in a way that seemed to interest all who listened,
+especially the gentlemen, who were usually grouped around her chair
+whenever she appeared on deck.  There were plenty of these, from Indian
+officials of rank to subalterns and young gentlemen of fortune, either
+with or without tutors, but who seemed much more interested in
+flirtations than scenery.
+
+English girls do not, as a rule, assume the airs of womanhood so early
+as do many American maidens--to their credit be it said--and neither
+Hope nor Faith had ever thought of considering themselves young ladies.
+Though nearing eighteen their gowns were still of ankle length and
+their hair in simple braids, while, as we have seen, they enjoyed
+frolicking with Dwight as if not a day older.  Elizabeth Vanderhoff,
+too, though two years older, was still a girl at heart, and had not yet
+discovered that no company was complete without its young men.
+
+The officer who had been walking with Faith, last night, was also a
+boyish fellow, fair and fresh of face and had been more attracted to
+our girls and their frolics than to the older young ladies, with more
+social airs and graces.  Though Faith had felt somewhat confused, last
+night, at her father's raillery, her meeting and talk with the modest
+young fellow was innocent enough, in intention, had there been no one
+to misconstrue it, but in a carping world we must learn to avoid even
+the appearance of evil.
+
+It happened that the little disturbance caused by Hope's bad dreams had
+not been quite unnoted, and was to bring rather disagreeable
+consequences, as we shall see.  But, this morning, there was no hint of
+trouble in the air and, gathered under the deck awnings, the passengers
+presented a scene pretty and peaceful enough.
+
+Faith, industriously inclined, was at work on a piece of embroidery,
+Hope had the piratical book in her hand, but was leaning idly back,
+watching Mrs. Vanderhoff, who was playing with one of the little tots,
+and visiting in desultory fashion with Bess, who was trying a new
+stitch in crochet and interposed a count, or two, between syllables.
+The Windemere family, all with their work, except Mrs. Campbell, who
+never seemed to have anything to do, were at a little distance--the two
+young ladies talking to the distinguished traveler previously
+mentioned, who seemed a trifle bored, and Mrs. Campbell being talked to
+by a couple of government attaches, whose boyish laughter rang out
+frequently.
+
+Presently, the officer of Faith's acquaintance, whose name was
+Carnegie, came towards the former group and bashfully bade her a
+good-morning which she brightly returned, hastening to present him to
+her sister and friends.  Soon they were all in animated chat, and the
+young attaches in Mrs. Campbell's vicinity began to look that way with
+somewhat longing glances.
+
+At length one of them, with some light excuse, sauntered away from her
+side, made a slow tour of the deck, and finally drew near our three
+girls; saying in passing.
+
+"I've been looking for you, Carnegie."
+
+The other, not having noticed the by-play, turned with a smile, and
+replied,
+
+"Have you?  I've been down among my men most of the morning.  One of
+the poor fellows is ill.  Not seasick, you understand, but a fever, I'm
+afraid."  Then as the schemer came to a stop he said bashfully, "May I
+present Mr. Donelson, ladies?" and introductions followed.
+
+Naturally Mr. Donelson was pleased at his success, and flung a laughing
+glance of triumph back at his comrade, who still sat at the lady's
+feet, though he, too, was beginning to fidget and look about for a way
+of escape.  Mrs. Campbell had seen all with eyes that seemed to notice
+nothing, and was indignant enough, for she was inordinately vain, and
+desired attention even from boys, if no other was forthcoming.  To have
+any one preferred before her was gall to her foolish pride.  Besides
+the traveler, whom she was inclined to make a hero of, had seen, too,
+and though pretending still to talk to the Misses Laura and Janet
+Windemere, his eyes were twinkling with appreciation.
+
+Mrs. Campbell was not a malicious woman, unless thwarted in her own
+plans; then she could be absolutely pitiless, and cared for neither
+truth nor justice in carrying out her spiteful revenges.  Ridicule was
+something she could not endure, and to feel herself slighted made a
+fury of her.  Yet her outward self-control was perfect.  Now, with a
+dreamy look in her large blue-gray orbs, she gazed out to seaward, and
+remarked as if in a ruminant mood,
+
+"I think, take them all together, we have a rather stupid set of
+passengers, this trip, don't you, Mr. Allyne?"
+
+"I don't know," returned the attache, "are they?  Fact is, I haven't
+made much headway with the ladies yet, but the men are jolly enough in
+the smoking-room--without being too jolly, you understand."
+
+"Oh, of course; they are mostly gentlemen, I presume.  Indeed I've
+scarcely noticed them, myself"--"Ah!  Mrs. Campbell!"--"with a few
+exceptions of course," giving him an effective glance.  "But the girls
+are not much to boast of.  That Miss Vanderhoff is positively homely."
+
+"Do you think so?  I know she has no special beauty to attract one, but
+she looks bright and good-tempered, I'm sure, and I like her voice,
+don't you?"
+
+"Not too well.  Those American voices are not to my taste.  They
+threaten my ear-drums."
+
+"Do you call hers sharp, though, Mrs. Campbell?  It's clear, I know,
+and decided, but----"
+
+She waved the subject aside, as if it were not worth discussing longer,
+and asked,
+
+"What do you think of the twinnies?"
+
+Her tone, though laughingly contemptuous, was gentleness itself, and
+young Allyne looked up, rather puzzled.
+
+"Why, they seem nice, sweet girls; don't you think so?"
+
+"One can't always tell by looks," was the ambiguous reply, and then she
+began to laugh, as if in great amusement over some recollection.
+
+Meanwhile the Windemere girls and the traveler had turned and were
+listening, as Mrs. Campbell meant they should.
+
+"What pleases you, Zaidee?" asked Laura, the older, settling her
+eyeglasses anew, the better to gaze at her friend.
+
+"Oh, an amusing incident that occurred last night.  I happened to see a
+part, and easily drew the rest out of Mr. Frazer by adroit questioning,
+for, I assure you, it made me curious."
+
+Mr. Frazer was the purser, and the one who had stood talking with
+Captain Hosmer when Hope ran out to him, the night before.
+
+"What is it?" asked both girls in a breath, and the traveler added,
+with a laugh,
+
+"Yes, indeed, if any one knows anything funny on shipboard it is a
+bounden duty to tell it."
+
+"Well, I hardly know whether you could call this funny, or
+tragic--perhaps serio-comic is the word," returned Mrs. Campbell in her
+smooth little drawl, with its expression of amused indifference, which
+always stimulated the interest of the listener.  "It was exciting,
+anyhow.  Somewhere well along towards midnight, last evening, a certain
+young lady--a mere girl indeed--was promenading the deck with a strange
+young man, when her sister, probably knowing the girl's propensities,
+rose from her bed, rushed out to her father, who was at his post,"--she
+cast an eye upward towards the bridge--"and begged of him to 'save
+sister,' upon which, rather sternly, he marched her back to her cabin
+and, hunting up the other one, took her from her escort and led her
+inside also, where I imagine there was a scene.  At any rate the
+stewardess was busy in there for some time, and when I asked what had
+happened, she said, 'Only hysterics, ma'am; they're common enough.'
+But as I happened to know where she was, and what had just happened, I
+did not treat the matter so lightly.  Of course it was an exaggeration
+of the other girl, but it showed that some people who seem very
+innocent will bear looking after.  Too bad that pretty girls must spoil
+everything by being vain and--well, careless!  But the two I mention
+are very unconventional."
+
+The Windemeres, mother and daughters, listened with groans of horror,
+the attache with a troubled look, and the traveler with a gravity that
+was almost stern.  Quite unnoted by the absorbed group, another also
+heard, for Lady Moreham, seemingly absorbed in a book and hidden by
+some projection of the deck, had dropped the volume and was scowling
+savagely.  She was not taken with these young women, for at first they
+had distinctly snubbed her, and later, having learned her title, had so
+suddenly changed to fawning and flattery that she was thoroughly
+disgusted.
+
+After an instant the traveler spoke abruptly,
+
+"Do you say you heard and saw this _yourself_, Mrs. Campbell?"
+
+"A part of it--yes, sir."  How small a part she did not mention.  "The
+rest was made comprehensible by Mr. Frazer's explanation."
+
+"I cannot believe that one of the ship's officers would speak ill of
+the captain's daughters, madam--and that you refer to them we all
+understand."
+
+"Speak ill?  Oh, he did not--and who has, indeed?  Ill?  What can you
+mean?  I merely mentioned it as a funny, melodramatic sort of
+performance, just like a foolish little girl.  Of course there was
+nothing really out of the way, only a bit of imprudence--and without a
+mother, or chaperone, what can one expect?"
+
+"You speak of what I was about to mention; they have no mother.  That
+is enough to make any older woman feel it her motherly duty to guard
+and counsel them, I'm sure," was the calm reply.  "We all must agree on
+that."
+
+"Yes, indeed!" ventured Mrs. Windemere in her small voice.  "Poor young
+things."
+
+"I don't think they seem to need your pity, mother!" cried Janet
+sharply, looking across at the merry group, in which were the Hosmer
+sisters.  "Not in that way, at any rate."
+
+"And," added Mrs. Campbell with an exaggerated drawl, "we who are not
+of an age to look upon them in a motherly light may not appreciate all
+those feelings.  They amuse me, to be sure, but I had scarcely thought
+of adopting them."
+
+"Nor their father, either?" put in the attache clumsily, hoping to
+raise a laugh and dispel the thunder in the air.  But he only drew the
+lightning upon himself.  She gave him one look that silenced him, and,
+lifting the fan in her lap, said languidly,
+
+"How very warm it is!  Strange how little the most of us understand the
+necessity of fitting our conversation to the weather, if we would be
+agreeable.  Discussions and personalities, if ever allowable, are only
+suited to a zero temperature.  Have you noticed the flying-fish, this
+morning?  How delightful it must be to plunge into that cool water
+to-day!  I wonder if they fly out into the heat just for the fun of
+cooling off afterwards?"
+
+"Quite a suggestion, Mrs. Campbell!" laughed the traveler.  "I believe
+I'll try it," and, bowing lightly, with a flash of the eyes that met
+her own in quick defiance, he turned away.
+
+As he passed around the bulkhead screening Lady Moreham, she rose and
+said in a low voice,
+
+"I want to thank you!  Many a life has been ruined by base
+insinuations.  A vain woman's tongue is a merciless weapon.  I like the
+little sisters, and believe them pure-hearted children.  It was wicked!"
+
+He bowed.
+
+"I agree with you, my lady.  But you see they are monopolizing the
+attention to-day, which is a social crime!" and, with a sarcastic
+smile, he passed on.
+
+Meanwhile, undreaming of this "capful of wind" that might become a
+tornado, our girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves in a lively, wholly
+unsentimental way, pleased with the company and their own happy youth;
+and not suspecting that in this same soft, silky atmosphere which
+breeds both the exquisite Paradise-bird and the deadly cobra, might be
+found, not only friendliness, but also that "envy, malice, and
+uncharitableness" which the honest-hearted are least able to guard
+against, in their utter lack of comprehension.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+A GAME OF GROMETS.
+
+"Who wants to pitch gromets?" cried Dwight.  (He pronounced it as if
+spelled "gruments," as most sea-going men do spell it, we believe, but
+let us follow the dictionary!)  "Mr. Malcolm's offered a prize for the
+one that lands it square in the bucket the most times, and Uncle Dwight
+says he'll give a consolation prize to the poor wretch who doesn't hit
+it once."
+
+"What's gromets?" asked young Donelson, springing up.
+
+"Oh, don't you know?" said Hope.  "Father used to play it with us when
+we were little--you know what the gromets themselves are, don't you?"
+
+"Haven't an idea?"
+
+"Why, rope rings--Dwight, Dwight!  Isn't that one sticking out of your
+pocket?  See how firm and neat it is!"
+
+"Well, it's just pitching those into a bucket, set a long way off.  If
+you can make it go into the bucket plump, it counts you 10; lodging
+anywhere on the edge or bail is 2, and inside the chalk ring drawn
+around the bucket is 1--at least, that's our game."
+
+"And outside?"
+
+"Of the ring?  Oh, nothing at all; and five throws outside will put out
+till next innings.  Each side has a certain number of trials, you see."
+
+"Why, that's something like quoits."
+
+"Well, so it is--sea quoits."
+
+"That's easy, I'm sure."
+
+"Oh is it?  Wait till you try it!"
+
+"You, see there's a special twist"--began Faith, but her sister stopped
+her.
+
+"No, no, don't tell.  Let him try it first; it's easy, you know!" and,
+laughing mischievously, she ran after Dwight.
+
+Pretty soon two tawny boys appeared, one with an ordinary fire-bucket,
+such as are seen hung everywhere on shipboard, and the other with a
+cluster of rope rings hung on one arm.  Behind them came Hope, with Mr.
+Malcolm and Dwight in tow, the former carrying a small blackboard; all
+in great good-humor over something.
+
+"I am requested to announce," called out the steward in a high
+"lecture-hall voice," as Dwight named it, "that all those present who
+wish to pitch gromets are invited to join the game.  Each side will
+select a captain; Huri and Tegeloo, here, will pick up the rings that
+go astray; I will chalk up the tally on this blackboard, and after the
+game is over the persons showing the biggest and smallest scores shall
+be given prizes by the captains of the winning and losing teams.  Speak
+up for your captains, please!"
+
+"Why not have the twin sisters?" called out Mr. Lawrence, and at the
+same instant a voice proposed, "Mrs. Campbell for one!"
+
+But this suggestion was drowned in a shout of applause.
+
+"Yes, yes, let it be the twins--the captain's daughters!" and so it was
+decided.
+
+Blushing and beautiful, the girls stood up opposite each other, and
+began calling up their teams.
+
+"Mrs. Vanderhoff," cried Hope.
+
+"Lady Moreham," said Faith.
+
+"Mrs. Poinsett."
+
+"Mrs. Windemere."
+
+"Miss Vanderhoff.
+
+"Miss Windemere."
+
+"Oh but see--see here!" laughingly protested Mr. Lawrence.  "Is this
+fair play to us men?  I want to join this game somehow, if--"
+
+"Mr. Lawrence!" shouted Hope archly, showing her pretty teeth and
+dimples.
+
+"Mr. Traveler!" quickly added Faith, only of course she gave the man's
+own distinguished name.
+
+And so they proceeded, while, quite without intention but with no less
+offense, Mrs. Campbell and the young attache were not called until the
+very last.
+
+He sprang up eagerly enough, but she barely glanced around.
+
+"Thanks," she drawled, "but it is too warm to play; don't you think so,
+Mr. Allyne?"
+
+Now, the young fellow did not think so, by any means, but he felt it
+would be rude to leave the lady alone, and besides he would make an odd
+one on Faith's side.  So he sank back into his chair again with a
+reluctant, "Much obliged, but I'll look on a while," and the game
+proceeded without them.
+
+It was rather warm work, but luckily a breeze had arisen which somewhat
+cooled their flushed cheeks.  Presently the captain strolled along and
+stood near, to watch the players, laughing silently as he noted the
+awkward work they made of it.
+
+"Why don't you join us, Captain?" cried Mrs. Vanderhoff.  "Come, Hope,
+call up your father," but Faith returned quickly,
+
+"No, indeed!  Papa can bucket it every time.  It wouldn't be fair to
+our side at all."
+
+"No, Captain," called Mr. Lawrence, who could not get the twist of the
+wrist that makes the square toss, and was in convulsions over his own
+awkwardness, "don't you come and show us up to ignominy by contrast.
+Your daughters are proficient enough to prove what their teacher may
+be, and I hate to be so outdone."
+
+"I'm catching on, though, uncle Dwight--don't you see?" cried his
+nephew, and amid a shout of laughter Mr. Malcolm released the boy's
+gromet from the bucket-bail, remarking, "Catching on's the word, sir!"
+as he marked up a large 2 opposite the lad's name.
+
+It was funny to watch the different ones, and Huri's eyes danced with
+enjoyment as he ran after the wilder tosses with swift feet.  Timid
+Mrs. Windemere would advance to position, look all about in dazed
+fashion, gather her skirts closely as if about to breast a hurricane,
+then with a long breath would shut her eyes tightly, and surge
+forward--when the gromet would either drop ignobly at her feet, or go
+madly flying off to right or left, perhaps hitting poor little Tegeloo
+on the nose.  Mr. Donelson assumed an airy indifference and a careless
+toss, and lo! the contrary thing went whirling between his feet, aft.
+Lady Moreham actually burst into laughter as, after careful aim in a
+judicial manner Mrs. Poinsett set hers spinning--and knocked Captain
+Hosmer's cap off, while all were convulsed as she, herself, after slow
+and accurate aiming, sent the ring square against poor Texas, chained
+to his perch, knocking him down and causing his hoarse and naughty
+comment, "You old fool!" in quick return.
+
+So it went merrily on, the girls, Dwight, and the traveler making
+several half-scores, and the rest occasionally tallying.  Mrs.
+Windemere had never succeeded in getting even the direction, when,
+after several throws, she took her position once more, protesting it
+was of no use, she did her side more harm than good.
+
+"And remember, if you fail this time you'll be put out!" shouted Laura,
+somewhat cruelly.
+
+The little lady looked distressed, but Faith leaned over and whispered
+quickly,
+
+"Did you ever make tatting, Mrs. Windemere?"
+
+"Why, yes, of course I have," surprisedly, wondering what tatting could
+have to do with the present game.
+
+"Make believe you're throwing your shuttle and then let the gromet fly.
+Be quick and firm!" she added, pretending to fix a loose pin at the
+lady's throat.  "Remember!"
+
+Mrs. Windemere turned towards the goal with a helpless air, but obeyed,
+and heard a sort of gasp, then a shout that rent the air.  She opened
+her eyes and looked around dazedly.  Her gromet was in the bucket, and
+amid the wild cheering Mr. Malcolm was chalking up a 10 nearly a foot
+long.  This gave the score to Faith's side and Mrs. Windemere was
+declared the prize winner.
+
+Mr. Allyne could not resist the excitement and hurried up with his
+congratulations, while even Mrs. Campbell smiled and grew better
+natured as she, too, came forward and with graceful tact, of which she
+was a mistress, caught a ribbon from her waist, wound it about one of
+the gromets, and setting it lightly upon the victor's head led her to a
+chair.
+
+"Behold our queen!" she shouted merrily, and all joined in the huzzas
+that followed, while little Mrs. Windemere, who had never received so
+much notice in her whole life, actually had to wipe the springing tears
+from her eyes.
+
+Then Mr. Malcolm appeared with the prize, and what do you suppose it
+was?  A lively young porker, nestled down in a lidded basket streaming
+with gay ribbons!
+
+Amid shouts of laughter Faith gravely presented the prize, always
+referring to it delicately as "our hampered friend," in supposed
+reference to the basket, or perhaps, as Mr. Lawrence slyly remarked,
+"to the other quarters of the beast."  She solemnly informed the winner
+that from time immemorial live prisoners had been considered specially
+acceptable gifts along the Mediterranean shores, and suggested that, if
+she should not know what to do with hers, she might be magnanimous,
+make a feast, and call her neighbors in, at which there was great
+cheering and clapping.
+
+"Dear me!" said Mrs. Windemere, taking the piggy-wiggy, who really
+behaved quite well, only squealing occasionally by way of emphasis, "I
+never made a speech in my life, but I'm ever so much obliged, and I
+should be delighted to give you all a feast of roast pig, if our
+captain will furnish the cook and the extras."
+
+"The ship, with all its men and stores, is at your disposal, madam,"
+said Captain Hosmer, doffing his cap with a low bow.
+
+"Then," cried the little lady, rising to the occasion, and looking
+really pretty with her pink cheeks and brightening eyes, "I invite you
+all, victors and vanquished, players and non-combatants, to dine on
+roast pig with Captain Hosmer and myself, to-night at seven o'clock."
+
+"We accept!" came in a tremendous shout from deck-house to bow.
+
+"And may Heaven have mercy on our digestions!" added Mrs. Campbell,
+rolling up her eyes in horror.  "Roast pig in this weather!"
+
+But Laura turned to her younger sister with enthusiasm.
+
+"Do look at ma!  Did you ever see her so bright and jolly?  She looks
+downright pretty.  She can hold her own better than I thought she
+could."
+
+"You are seeing her under altogether new conditions, you know," said
+Mrs. Campbell sweetly, as she stepped off with light tread and
+non-committal face towards a merrily-laughing group, further on.
+
+"Now, what did she mean by that?" asked Janet in a puzzled tone.  "I do
+wish Zaidee wouldn't be so mysterious!"
+
+"Mysterious?" snapped Laura, who was quicker than her sister.  "Why not
+wish she needn't be so hateful?"
+
+Yet she followed the woman, who could always lead in spite of her
+peculiar disposition, because of innate charm and tact.
+
+They found the merriment to be over the fact that Mr. Lawrence had the
+smallest score, and must accept his own prize, already in the hands of
+Mr. Malcolm.
+
+"Oh, that's too bad!" he cried, weary from his exertions and merriment.
+"Why rub it in so hard?  Is it not enough to be beaten by these
+youngsters--must I also be made the laughing-stock of passengers and
+crew?  Ah! 'tis indeed a cruelty to load a falling man!"
+
+"Well, uncle, if you're going to quote Wolsey, keep on," laughed his
+niece mischievously.  "'I charge thee fling away ambition!'  You see
+you have soared too high, my lord."
+
+"_Et tu Brute_?"  He turned upon her quickly.  "Well, well, 'complete
+my shame.'  Where is the prize orator, anyhow?"
+
+"Here, here!" called Hope, coming rapidly forward from a conference
+with Mr. Malcolm; and amidst a sudden hush she said in a gentle,
+serious tone, as if reluctantly discharging an imperative duty,
+
+"The prize we have to offer you needs no explanation.  As it is
+familiar to you I will only say it appropriately illustrates one word
+you have amply understood to-day, and that word is--_whipped_!"
+
+She held aloft one of those clock-work toys one may pick up in Germany,
+or Switzerland--a severe dame in a flapping cap, with a youngster
+across her knee whom she vigorously belabors with a neat little bundle
+of switches.  Mr. Lawrence took it with meek 'Thank you,' and amidst
+the laughter, explained,
+
+"I bought the thing as an object-lesson for a friend at home who, does
+not believe in corporal punishment for her spoiled child, and to-day
+thought I would divert it to the purpose of a consolation prize for
+some of you fellows who couldn't pitch gromets.  Like most people who
+dig a pit for others I have fallen into it myself!  And now--may I give
+this to one of the babies?  I never want to see it again."
+
+"I think you may," laughed Hope, and a little curly-pate close by was
+made happy with the toy, which seemed destined to manifold uses.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+MRS. WINDEMERE'S DINNER.
+
+"Well, it is almost time for the Lamb dinner," remarked Mr. Lawrence,
+late that afternoon, to the group about him under the awning of the
+after-deck, from which they were watching the sunset, some lounging in
+the easy steamer-chairs, others in the hammocks which had been
+stretched in every available space, and still others, among whom was
+Dwight, resting full length on the large Persian rug, which had been
+laid in the center of the deck planks.  For the heat, and still, easy
+motion made every one lazy.
+
+Upon hearing this remark the boy looked up.
+
+"Lamb dinner?  I thought it was pig this morning.  It hasn't changed
+into sheep, I hope?"
+
+"And must I really explain my observation to a lad about entering the
+High School?" cried his uncle reproachfully.  "I'll warrant Bess
+knows--and somebody else, too!" catching the gleam in Hope's eye.
+
+"Oh, yes, I understand, in a way," returned Bess.  "Let's see, Charles
+Lamb, the writer, was very fond of roast pig, wasn't he?"
+
+"Was he, Miss Hope?"
+
+"Yes, sir, and wrote an essay upon it which has become a classic."
+
+"Oh, of course!  I'd almost forgotten that," put in Bess, hastily.
+
+"And I'm free to confess I never knew it," added her brother.  "Fact
+is, I begin to think I didn't learn much in school, anyhow--that is,
+much that I've needed since.  I've picked up more about geography and
+history on this trip than all I ever learned there."
+
+"No, no, not quite that, my boy!  You simply have digested what then
+you only swallowed.  Don't you know what Channing says--'It is not
+enough to cram ourselves with a great load of collections--we must chew
+them over again'?  The fact is, nothing can ever be quite learned until
+it is experienced.  I may be taught from a book that water expands in
+freezing, but I cannot realize that fact till I, sometime, leave water
+in a pitcher and find it broken next morning.  Then I know, in a way
+never to be forgotten, about this scientific truth.  So it is in
+geography; we have always taken in certain facts regarding the relative
+positions of land and water, mountain and plain, but if we had
+attempted to go anywhere, with absolutely no guide but memory, nine out
+of ten of us would be lost on the first stage of the journey.  You are
+now simply assimilating what you learned at school, and making the
+facts, which you took on trust then, part and parcel of your actual
+experience now.  It seems to me one of the best ways to study geography
+at home is to travel on paper.  That comes nearest the real thing.  Map
+out a route, buy your tickets (in imagination), take your conveyance,
+and on the way see everything possible to be gleaned from those eyes
+which have gone before, and left a record of their impressions.  Try
+and think if you would see in the same way, and what else might be
+observed by quick eyes, natural to occur in that part of the globe.  If
+one has imagination he may almost believe, in time, that he has really
+visited the places so studied.
+
+"I knew a young fellow, once, who lived in an insignificant town in
+Vermont, and had never been fifty miles from home, yet who kept up such
+journeys for years, and many a time, in talking with him, I, the real
+traveler, would learn facts about certain localities where I had been,
+from him who never set foot near them.  Just to prove him, once, I
+said, 'Are you acquainted with Salt Lake City?'  'Pretty well,' he
+answered modestly.  Having spent a summer or two there, myself, I
+thought I would try and trip him up, so said, carelessly, 'When I stood
+in front of Brigham Young's Square and looked at that great town on my
+left'--but there he interrupted me, quick as a flash, 'You mean looked
+down upon the town at your right, don't you?  Brigham's Square is on
+what is called the North Bench, and standing before it you must
+overlook the larger part of the city lying upon your right.'  Of course
+this was correct, and I had to acknowledge that he really knew as much
+about many localities as I, who had visited them.  But he was unusual."
+
+"Well," said Dwight slowly, "what I have to complain of about travelers
+is that they don't tell the little things--the details, you know.  I
+suppose it seems silly to them to say whether they went on board a
+steamer in a boat, or across a gangway, or up a flight of steps, or to
+describe just how a car looks when they travel by rail, but I used to
+wish they would.  And when I write my book of travels I'm going to!"
+
+"I would," said his sister encouragingly.
+
+"Well, you wait!  But say, uncle, there are some books in your library
+at home that you used to have when you were a boy, I reckon, for the
+pictures look about a century old, but I used to like to read them ever
+so much, and since I came abroad I've been finding out how well they
+describe the things that happen to a traveler even to-day.  For
+instance, when you and I went from Cadiz to Ronda by diligence."
+
+"Oh, you mean the Rollo books--Rollo's Tour in Europe?" laughed Mr.
+Lawrence.  "How I did pore over those when I was a little boy!  Yes,
+they do go into details, that's a fact.  Somebody's advice to Rollo
+always to follow the crowd when bewildered at some great railway
+terminus often occurs to me, still, and is acted upon with perfect
+success."
+
+"But don't you think travelers who write for publication sometimes draw
+the long bow a bit?" asked Lieutenant Carnegie in his diffident way.
+
+"Oh, never!" cried a voice from the guardrail, and the Traveler held up
+a beseeching hand as he came forward.  "Don't take away our reputation
+for veracity, I pray you!  With the public's confidence lost to us what
+could we do?  We are all truthful--even to Du Chaillu and Gulliver."
+
+Every one laughed, and the young man, blushing a little, returned,
+
+"Well, I was thinking especially of one or two I've read, lately.  For
+instance, thirty miles a day is quite a tramp for an ordinary man on
+good level roads, without luggage; and when a traveler tells me he
+makes sixty over hills, or marshes, weighted down with camp supplies,
+who wasn't brought up a soldier, either, why, I just begin to compare
+it with my own experiences and say--"
+
+"Here _lies_ a great man, don't you?" put in Dwight.
+
+"Well, yes, that's about it."
+
+"Oh, but you must remember that often he can only judge of the distance
+made by his feelings," laughed the Traveler.  "It seems sixty miles,
+anyhow."
+
+"I don't doubt that," cried Carnegie, showing handsome teeth in a
+smile.  "I thought there must be some way of getting around it.  But if
+he had said thirty-five miles I'd have believed him, and thought him a
+mighty good tramper into the bargain."
+
+"Yet many who have never tramped under knapsack, blankets, and
+tent-cloth would say, 'That's nothing!' and our poor voyager, who
+really had made a record, would be consigned to oblivion.  In all art,
+even that of writing facts, one must exaggerate a little in order to
+make the effect life-size--so to say."
+
+"That's true enough," said Mrs. Vanderhoff.  "It is so easy to sit
+still and pass judgment upon those who exert themselves.  When I hear a
+person criticising a painting, a story, a building, a song who could
+not draw a straight line, write a sentence correctly, build a cob-house
+on just proportions, nor keep the key through 'Yankee Doodle,' I long
+to insist upon his making a practical trial in such things before
+daring to make a criticism.  Yet it is a fact that artistic people of
+every grade and type have to writhe under the criticisms of
+ignoramuses, who could not accomplish the piece of work they scathingly
+denounce if their lives depended upon it.  I pick up a book and fling
+it aside with the comment, 'It's not worth reading!' or I look over a
+great vessel like this and say, 'How clumsily built!' but what if I
+were doomed to write a similar book, to plan a great steamer--just
+think of the results!  I would never criticise again."
+
+"It would be a pretty good scheme," laughed Mr. Lawrence.  "Make these
+bilious critics prove their right to the title by doing the work.  I
+could really enjoy their agonies on occasion."
+
+"But would you have no criticisms, then?" asked Mrs. Campbell.  "Would
+not that mean stagnation in effort?  There must be something to spur
+one on to better work, mustn't there?"
+
+"I doubt if unintelligent criticism often does prove an incentive,"
+said the Traveler.  "'Let me be judged by my peers' is a universal
+sentiment with the conscientious in any employment."
+
+"Yes, Rachel," put in Mr. Lawrence, smiling at his sister, "if Captain
+Hosmer should criticise the ship we would build we might endure it, but
+if--well, Mr. Donelson, for instance, ventured to elevate his nose we
+would naturally think he knew nothing about it, and would not even try
+to please him."
+
+"How _could_ he elevate his nose?" asked Mrs. Campbell innocently, in a
+whisper that sent the Windemere girls off into giggles, for Mr.
+Donelson's nose was not only long but slightly hooked, besides.
+Evidently Mrs. Campbell had not quite forgiven the attache for his
+desertion of the morning.
+
+"But if I'm not mistaken we're all competent to judge of a good dinner,
+if we couldn't cook one," laughed the young man in return, not having
+caught her comment, and he pointed to Tegeloo who, smiling and
+important, was bowing before Mrs. Windemere.
+
+"Dinner is served to madam!" he announced with a flourish and an odd
+accent, while, at the same instant, Captain Hosmer gallantly offered
+his arm.
+
+"May I have the pleasure?  Our dinner is waiting, I believe, Mrs.
+Windemere," and amid much merriment and excitement, the other gentlemen
+quickly sought partners and followed.
+
+By a previous understanding with Mr. Malcolm, Mrs. Windemere and party
+were offered the places of the four young people at the captain's
+table, and they "went down a peg," as Dwight put it, to another,
+entirely filled with the younger portion of the guests.  If there was a
+little more learning and elegance, perhaps, at the former, there was a
+vast amount of fun and nonsense at the latter.  Every one in the saloon
+was supplied with at least one thin slice from the prize pig which,
+roasted whole and holding an ear of corn in its teeth, was gaily
+decorated with the flags of England and the United States.  It was held
+high for inspection before the carving began, and many a joke ran
+around, from table to table, upon the fine appearance of his porcine
+majesty.
+
+At some of the tables wine flowed freely, and a few of the young men
+soon ordered it at the one where our girls were seated.  It is more
+commonly used at meals abroad than with middle-class Americans at home,
+and nearly all partook.  Neither Bess nor Dwight, however, would take
+it and, seeing this, Faith and Hope, caring little about it, also
+declined, though they had never been taught conscientious scruples
+regarding its use.  No special comment was made upon this, but when
+Chester Carnegie also turned down his glass the young attaches began a
+running fire of jests at his expense; Mr. Allyne especially, who soon
+showed the influence of his champagne, leading off with some sharply
+personal remarks.
+
+The lieutenant said as little as possible in return, but occasionally a
+witty reply would turn the laugh against his opponent, who grew
+disagreeable and really quarrelsome, as the wine affected him more and
+more.
+
+Seeing this, Carnegie attempted to ignore the whole matter, and turning
+to Faith, who sat next him, began talking in a lowered tone, hoping
+Allyne would understand that he was now going too far and so drop the
+subject.
+
+But a man in liquor is an irresponsible being, and Allyne, under the
+polish of education and training, possessed the nature of a bully--he
+was tyrannical and contentious.  Choosing now to assume that Carnegie's
+partial turning away and low-voiced conversation were intended to
+insult him, he straightened up, and looking fiercely across the table,
+with eyes already watery from the heady fumes of the strong wine,
+tapped sharply with his glass and said in too loud a tone for the
+place, "Carnegie, I was talking to you."
+
+The lieutenant turned his head a trifle, and bowed coolly.
+
+"Excuse me till later, please; I am engaged with Miss Hosmer at
+present."
+
+The other laughed out in a disagreeable manner.  While alone with Mrs.
+Campbell, that afternoon, he had easily extracted the name of the young
+man with whom one of the twins (neither knew which one) had been
+promenading the deck, the evening before, and now, mingled with his
+rising wrath towards him, was the confused memory of the woman's subtle
+insinuations.
+
+When sober, Mr. Allyne was usually a gentleman, but in his cups he
+became little short of a ruffian in manner.  He laughed significantly.
+
+"Engaged with, or to?" he asked with insolence.  "It had better be to
+from reports, I should say!"
+
+Instantly the lieutenant, pale as death, was on his feet, while Faith,
+gasping a little, leaned back in her chair, as white and almost
+fainting.  Hope and Dwight, round-eyed and not half comprehending,
+stared amazedly, while Donelson, realizing that his companion was quite
+beside himself, also sprang up and laying a firm hand on Allyne's arm,
+turned beseechingly.
+
+"Don't, Carnegie--for heaven's sake don't make a scene!  I'll get him
+away.  He'll be in the dust for this, to-morrow.  Come, Tom, you must
+go with me instantly."
+
+They were attracting attention.  Captain Hosmer's eyes were fixed
+sternly upon them, for though he had not heard a word he could see that
+something was wrong, and Faith's white face startled him.  He felt
+there was some disturbance which frightened her, but perhaps
+fortunately, never dreamed she could be at all concerned in the matter.
+The Traveler, however, who held the key to the situation, and had
+caught a sentence or two, on his part, looked sternly at Mrs. Campbell
+who, suave and unruffled, was monopolizing Mr. Lawrence and evidently
+amusing him, too.
+
+There might have been worse trouble but for young Carnegie's
+moderation.  The instant Donelson's plea was made he realized that for
+Faith's sake, if not Allyne's, he must be cautious, so said only, "I
+leave him to you now, Mr. Donelson," and seated himself, while the
+attache, partly by force and partly by coaxing, succeeded in dragging
+the foolish fellow from the room without further display.
+
+"What was the matter with that young sprout of an attache?" asked the
+captain later in the evening, as he and his daughters met for a quiet
+little visit in the library.  "Too much champagne?"
+
+Hope looked quickly at her sister, whose face was turned away, and as
+she did not respond, answered lightly, "I believe so.  He was
+quarrelsome, and Mr. Donelson wanted to get him away before he--before
+he made trouble."
+
+"H'm!  With whom was he quarreling?"
+
+Faith, back in the shadow, was still unresponsive, and Hope thinking
+she ought to be the one to answer, let some indignation creep into her
+own voice as she said,
+
+"Oh, that Mr. Carnegie."
+
+"What, Carnegie?  I had taken him for a decent, modest sort of fellow.
+But any one who will get into a drunken brawl before ladies--"
+
+Faith turned quickly.  She was quite white.
+
+"Father, Mr. Carnegie had not been drinking.  He did not touch the wine
+and--and I'm the only one to blame."  She burst into tears and, hiding
+her face in both hands, started to run into her own stateroom, but her
+father caught her and, with a tender arm about her waist, drew her down
+upon his knee.
+
+"I don't understand you, daughter," he said in a voice of yearning
+tenderness, for whenever his children were in trouble, it always seemed
+to him that his fair young wife stood at his elbow inciting him to
+gentleness.  "I don't understand, but I must.  Why should two heady
+young fools quarrel over my little girl?  She is no coquette, I'm sure."
+
+"Papa," put in Hope, for her sister was sobbing helplessly upon his
+shoulder, "Faith is not to blame, and I don't half understand it,
+myself, but I'll tell you just what happened--" and she did, much as it
+has been repeated here.
+
+Her father listened with a darkening face.
+
+"Some cursed gossip!" he muttered as she finished, while Faith managed
+to murmur,
+
+"I didn't mean any harm, papa.  I talked to him just as we do to
+Dwight, and he told me about his home, and what he is going to do in
+India.  You might have heard every word, papa!"
+
+"Of course, of course, I understand.  Only, I ought to have warned you;
+a steamer is a perfect hot-bed of gossip on a long voyage like this.
+But how did that scapegrace get hold of--wait!  Hasn't he been with
+that little Mrs. Campbell most of the day?"
+
+"Yes, he has," said Hope.  "They wouldn't play gromets with us, you
+remember; she said it was too warm."
+
+"Too warm, indeed!  I'd like to consign such mischief-makers to a
+hotter place.  Well, well, don't worry now.  I begin to comprehend it
+all."
+
+"But how should Mrs. Campbell know, papa?"
+
+"Because she was pacing the deck herself, or sitting in a corner.  I
+saw her under a smokestack with that Russian--no fit companion either.
+Had to leave his own country because of his record.  She's a nice one
+to talk--but that's the very kind.  Now, see here!  After this you
+girls keep close company, and stay in tow of Mrs. Vanderhoff, or Lady
+Moreham, and then you'll be all right.  You'll mind now?"
+
+"Yes we will, father, but tell me something.  Did you know Lady Moreham
+before this trip?  I thought--"  He turned a quizzical look upon Hope's
+eager face, and laughed a little.
+
+"Better think more about things that concern yourself, little one, and
+not be speculating about my passengers, or you'll get to be another
+Mrs. Campbell," and, kissing both girls, he gently seated Faith in his
+large chair and hurried out.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+A SUNDAY AT SEA.
+
+There is something in a Sunday at sea, in calm weather which must
+impress the most thoughtless.  The clean, well-regulated ship seems to
+take on an air of extra self-respect, the men, in fresh attire, go more
+quietly about their duties, the well-dressed passengers are less noisy
+and demonstrative, even the steerage puts on a slightly brighter look
+on Sunday morning, and for the time being the seeming calmness and
+content give one a delightful sense of rest.
+
+Captain Hosmer, like most good sailors, had a deep reverence for his
+Maker, and for that religion, "pure and undefiled," which inspiration
+teaches.  No one living the precarious life of the seaman can well help
+an abiding sense of personal dependence upon some Power greater than
+the most furious forces of the deep, and when this dependence becomes
+childlike and sincere, rather than a mere superstition born of terror,
+it gives a man that spirit Christ so lovingly inculcated, in which the
+soul rests, secure and still, within the bosom of the Father.
+
+Though Captain Hosmer had some of the roughnesses born of an
+adventurous life, he was at heart a sincere believer, and in joy or
+danger turned instinctively to his Maker in gratitude, or supplication.
+Though not brought up an Episcopalian, he followed the practice
+customary on board British vessels, and held service, reading from the
+Prayer-book every Sunday morning.
+
+To-day, the passengers gathered in the handsome saloon were glad to see
+the doors flung wide and the punkahs vigorously waving, for it was very
+warm.  Scarcely a person was absent; even Mr. Allyne, looking a bit
+pale and reserved, sat back in one corner, half screened by his
+companion, and near the open doors and windows, clustered the servants
+and such part of the crew as were off duty, their dark faces and
+turbaned heads forming an artistic contrast to the whiter-skinned race
+who sat within.
+
+At the precise hour named, the captain, exquisitely trim in his dark
+uniform, with his kindly, weatherbeaten, but clean-shaven face, took
+his place by one of the tables and looking gently around with his keen,
+pleasant eyes, began the slow, impressive reading of the special
+prayers assigned to the seamen's service.  Faith and Hope had never
+seen him in this role before, and the former felt her eyes fill, while
+the latter suddenly put out a hand and clasped her twin's in a little
+ecstasy of admiring appreciation.  Neither had even looked towards
+young Allyne, nor Chester Carnegie.  The latter, grave and attentive,
+sat near one of the open doors and followed the service without a
+glance about him.  It was an hour of gentle solemnity, which affected
+even the lightest heart.
+
+Allyne had wakened wretched, with a headache, only to be told by his
+friend of the grave misdemeanors of last night.
+
+"And," added Donelson, "the captain came to ask me about it later, but
+you were asleep, so we let you alone."
+
+"Heavens!  Did I make such a beast of myself, Jack?  You certainly
+exaggerate."
+
+"Not a particle.  Believe me, it's serious.  The little girls were
+white as paper, and Carnegie looked like the marble gladiator.  I tell
+you, you're in a pickle."
+
+Allyne groaned and turned over in his bunk.
+
+"Why didn't you stop me in time?" he questioned fiercely, with an oath.
+
+"Oh, you needn't swear at me, Tom Allyne!  I'm not your keeper.  When
+you know what champagne does for you, why don't you stop yourself in
+time?"
+
+"Why don't I?  Because then I don't know enough to stop, idiot!  The
+first glass goes to my head, I tell you."
+
+"Then you'd better not touch the first glass," returned Donelson
+airily, as he vigorously plied his military brushes to his sleek brown
+poll.  "It's a misfortune to be so weak in the upper story, Tom."
+
+"Humph!  I'd rather be weak in liquor than when sober," was muttered
+from the bunk.
+
+Donelson turned quickly.
+
+"See here, young man, if you want to quarrel with your best friend, all
+right!  I've stood by you so far, and dragged you out of the deepest
+danger, but if you get too abusive--good-by!  You may shift for
+yourself.
+
+"Well then, shut up and let me think, can't you?  I know you're all
+right, Jack, but my head aches terribly, and this muss nearly drives me
+mad.  Why can't you be sympathetic and advise me, instead of harrowing
+me up so mercilessly."
+
+The other laughed.
+
+"Well, by gracious!  I do feel for you, Tom.  But what can I do about
+it?"
+
+"Well, go and bring Carnegie here, for the first thing, can't you?"
+
+"Bring Carnegie to you?  I like that!  Why, man alive, do you realize
+that under that bashful girl-look of his there is a spirit that
+wouldn't flinch at anything where honor is concerned?  Watch his square
+jaw and the set of his lips.  Bring him to you!  You'll have to go to
+Carnegie, and eat some humble-pie into the bargain, Tom."
+
+"I don't believe it."
+
+"All right!  Perhaps I lie.  Just the same, I'll not do any such
+errand, even for you, that's certain.  I know my man, if you don't.
+And, now, I'm going to the barber-shop, and you can have all the time
+there is to think it over."
+
+So the situation rested when the parties concerned met under the same
+roof to listen to, possibly in some cases, to join in solemn prayer to
+God.  It was a few minutes after the service when the two young men
+most concerned met face to face in one of the dim and narrow
+passageways connecting the saloons.  Allyne stopped and Carnegie, after
+an instant's hesitation, did likewise.
+
+"I understand," began the former trying to laugh, "that you and I had a
+little falling out, last night."
+
+"You and I?  Not at all," was the prompt answer.  "Your quarrel is not
+with me; you simply insulted Miss Hosmer who, fortunately, has a father
+to protect her.  Make your peace with him."
+
+Allyne flushed darkly.
+
+"You don't mince your words, sir."
+
+"I have no reason to--nor is there any reason for our talking the thing
+over.  It is not my privilege to take it up, as I see plainly now; but
+if you are a man you will go straight to Captain Hosmer and apologize."
+
+"Oh, I will?  It's very easy to tell another man to put his head into
+the lion's mouth, isn't it?  If he does not know the whole, what's the
+use of rousing him up?  Better let it drop."
+
+"That's where you'll make a huge mistake.  I believe he knows all about
+it."
+
+"Has he told you so?"
+
+"Certainly not.  We haven't discussed the matter.  My belief comes from
+another source."
+
+"Oh, Miss--"
+
+"Don't finish!  We'll have no names mentioned, if you please.  You have
+simply misunderstood the character of one or two people to an almost
+inexcusable extent.  Settle your quarrel with him, then, if you wish
+it, and I'll ignore my part in it entirely.  But if you act the cad--"
+
+"Well, what then?"
+
+"Then the matter is not ended."
+
+"Indeed!" began Allyne, with a sneer, but a second look into the
+other's face, as he braced himself against the wall, even in the half
+darkness, convinced him that it would be better to let the affair drop
+for the present, at least, as he could now note well not only the
+square jaw to which his friend had referred, but also a flash of the
+blue eyes that looked dangerous.
+
+He turned away abruptly and with a "Very well," hurried onwards.  But
+as he went slowly out, crossed the forward deck, mounted the
+companionway to the upper deck, and continued still upwards to the
+bridge, where he could see the captain standing, the glass at his eyes,
+his thoughts were busy, and they were not pleasant thoughts, you may be
+sure.
+
+Captain Hosmer seemed too absorbed in something he was examining
+through his binocular to notice him, however, and just as Allyne,
+somewhat reluctantly, spoke his name, the watch sang out,
+
+"Sail on the port bow, sir."
+
+"Is she anchored, or drifting, Ferris?" called back the captain.
+
+"Drifting, I think, sir.  Should judge it's a wreck."
+
+"We must alter our course and make for her then," he said, turning to
+the steersman.  Then, with a swift look at Allyne who stood a step
+below waiting,
+
+"Anything particular, sir?"
+
+"Only a word to explain--"
+
+"Last night?  Well," sternly, "what excuse have you to make?"
+
+Allyne shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I was not myself, sir.  Your champagne was too heady."
+
+"H'm!  'Twas made for men, I reckon.  You did not exactly act the part
+of one, it seems to me.  Her Majesty's officials ought to have at least
+the manners of a gentleman."
+
+"You are hard on me, Captain Hosmer!"
+
+"A man is apt to be hard where his daughters are lightly treated."
+
+"I came to apologize.  Do you wish me to see the young ladies in
+person?"
+
+"By no means!  Keep as far from them as possible is all I ask.  They
+have their friends."
+
+He turned quickly to an officer awaiting commands, and paid no further
+attention as Allyne moodily withdrew.  The young man saw that the men
+were about to launch one of the boats, and that some of the crew were
+now making ready to raise the dingey to position on the davits, while
+others were hastening to take their seats within it.  The passengers,
+getting wind of some excitement, were hurrying sternwards, and he
+pushed along with them, glad to forget his sore feelings for a minute.
+
+Carnegie, followed by Dwight, pushed past him, alert and eager, and he
+saw the twins with a group of ladies, watching with all their eyes.
+Even his own chum, Donelson, was chatting at ease with two East Indian
+officials, absorbed and forgetful.  Tom Allyne felt decidedly left out,
+and it was not a pleasant sensation to one who had been accustomed to
+considering himself a good fellow and desirable companion.
+
+He leaned against the bulwark, a lonely figure in the midst of all this
+lively bustle, and wished impotently that he could have let well enough
+alone--and by well enough he doubtless meant both the champagne and
+Mrs. Campbell--thus preserving the pleasant relations of yesterday.  A
+steamship soon becomes the world itself to its passengers, and the
+little events of each day assume an exaggerated importance.  To be at
+odds with one's fellows on board means a rather desolate position for
+the young person fond of society, and this one moodily wished the
+miserable voyage over as he blinked in the sunshine, with his back to
+the rest.
+
+The dingey, with its human freight, was smoothly lowered to the water's
+edge, and rowed swiftly away, the captain, standing straight and tall
+in the stern, turning back to touch his cap with a smile, as the cheers
+resounded, but his eyes were upon two young faces who forgot to wave
+handkerchiefs, even, so absorbed were they to catch his slightest
+glance.  The boat looked a slender thing to breast the might of that
+great sea, if only half aroused, and though it was far from heavy
+to-day an occasional puff of wind sent the waves up in little swirls of
+foam, and seemed ready to drown it in spray.  As the fires were banked
+to stay the ship's course, the swarthy Seedees swarmed out for a breath
+of air, and all who could find a glass, among crew or passengers, were
+looking towards one spot.  They could distinguish the floating hulk
+with the naked eye, but only those with powerful lenses could say
+positively that there seemed no life about it.  After watching the
+dingey until it melted into the outlines of the larger hull, they
+formed into groups beneath the awnings, to speculate upon this wreck
+and to hear yarns of others, each more thrilling than the last, till
+the sisters began to fear they should never see their father safe again.
+
+Allyne, happening to turn from his sullen survey, saw that the
+Windemere girls, Mrs. Campbell, and two or three of the men were seated
+close by.  As he turned, Mrs. Campbell said pleasantly, but with
+something of sarcasm in her tone,
+
+"Aren't you well, Mr. Allyne?  This is the first time I've seen you
+to-day."
+
+"Yes, thank you, I'm well except for a headache."
+
+"Headache?  Indeed!" She laughed lightly, and her manner made him wince.
+
+"You seem to find it amusing," he said resentfully.
+
+She laughed outright.
+
+"Why, you're really _cross_!  Is that the way a generous dinner affects
+you?  Now, roast pig never goes to my head at all--does, it Janet?"
+
+Her mocking angered him in his present mood, but he had learned caution
+from last night and, simply bowing, walked off without a reply.  Under
+his breath, however, he anathematized a woman who could so easily lead
+a man into trouble, only to make merry over his discomfiture.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE STORY OF A WRECK.
+
+The day which had begun in Sabbath stillness, so far as wind and
+weather were concerned, was destined to end in a far different manner.
+The dingey had scarcely reached the drifting vessel when the wind began
+to freshen into a decided blow.  Clouds rolled up from the southwest,
+and it grew rapidly darker.  Many of the passengers retired to their
+staterooms, but the twins, consumed with anxiety for their father,
+would not leave the deck, and Lady Moreham, Mr. Lawrence, Bessie, and
+Dwight remained with them, the other ladies being obliged to retire.
+
+Presently, as the group watched, talking in subdued tones, amid the
+increasing noise of the coming storm, the watch sang out the glad news
+of the captain's boat in sight, and the girls, straining their gaze
+across the hillocks of gray-black waters beneath the angry sky, could
+see the tiny thing approaching.  Sometimes it seemed fairly swallowed
+in the trough of the sea, again it rose on the crest, only apparently
+to topple into oblivion the next instant--yet in spite of wind and wave
+making its sure and steady way to the great home ship, and safety.
+
+At length it was alongside, and, amid ringing cheers, the captain came
+aboard, wet to the skin, and waving back the eager girls, whose eyes
+were wet with tears of relief.
+
+"Don't touch me, daughters; I'll give you a chill.  And the first thing
+necessary is to see to our rescued man.  Come to me presently."
+
+They had just a glimpse of this person as he was carried forward by
+four men, but that glimpse was one never to be forgotten.  The haggard
+face, with the dark skin drawn like a mummy's across the prominent
+bones, the lips stiff and blackened, between which the teeth shone
+whitely, the eyes sunken and but half closed, gave it a horrible
+appearance.
+
+"Oh!" whispered Faith in distressed tones, "Isn't he already dead?"
+
+"Not quite," was the response.  "We'll bring him around, I reckon, but
+it was a close call."
+
+When all duties were discharged and the captain, in dry clothing, sat
+before a substantial supper in his own cabin, Joey was sent for the
+girls, who gladly joined him without loss of time.
+
+"Sit down," he cried gaily, between big mouth-fills.  "I know you are
+quivering with curiosity--I can see it sticking out all over you.  Just
+let me fill up this gaping void a little, and then I'll tell you a
+story that will make your two eyes like stars start from their spheres,
+and all the rest of it.  But now I must eat."
+
+They waited patiently, and presently, leaning comfortably back, with
+his third cup of coffee in his hand, he told them what follows:
+
+"We thought, when we reached the sunken, dismasted hull, that of course
+she was abandoned, but concluded to board her, and see if there was
+anything of value inside.  We made her out to be a tartan, probably
+with an Arab, or African, crew and it was evident she had been through
+a heavy storm, for her masts were washed clean overboard, and her
+bulwarks stove in.  We could not distinguish a soul aboard, and if she
+had carried boats they were gone, but as we went down into the hatchway
+we came upon a sight that I wouldn't care for you to see.  It was a
+dark 'tween-decks cabin, and the stench, as we descended, was simply
+horrible!  At my first step I stumbled over something that sent a
+shudder through me, and when I lighted a match and looked around the
+sight made me crawl.  Two poor wretches lay there, both dead, as we
+thought, but after giving them a thorough examination I decided there
+was a spark left in this poor fellow, at least, and after working over
+him a while we were sure of it.  The other could not be revived, so we
+weighted his feet, and let him slide the plank to his watery grave.
+But that wasn't all--however I guess I won't tell any more.  It's
+downright gruesome, and I've got to go up and take a lookout, for we're
+likely to have a wild night."
+
+"Oh yes, yes, father!" they begged.  "Don't leave us cut off short like
+this.  We want to hear it all."
+
+"Well, we managed to find a lantern, so that we could go on with our
+investigations.  Evidently, there had been foul play of some kind, for
+the cabin plainly showed signs of a fierce scrimmage.  There was blood
+on the walls and floor; one or two rusty weapons lay about, and on one
+was human hair.  I shouldn't have thought to look further, but a cry
+from Tower called me into the bit of an after-cabin, fitted up with
+bunks, and there lying flat, face downwards and head towards the door,
+as if she had fallen while running out, was an Arab woman."
+
+"And she was dead?" whispered Hope hoarsely.
+
+"Yes, and in the bunk was her baby, a little thing not many months old.
+I tell you, it was pitiful!"
+
+"Oh!" breathed Faith, "do you suppose it was left to starve?"
+
+"I'm afraid so.  I think the mother heard the fighting and started to
+run out, leaving her child safely hidden, when her husband was
+attacked, but was felled by a blow on the head.  We saw the marks."
+
+"Horrible!"  Hope covered her eyes, and the captain sprang up.
+
+"I ought not to have told you.  It was bad enough to see it myself,
+hardened as I am.  Now I must go.  Do you want one of the women to come
+and stay with you?"
+
+"No," said both, and he hurried out, but at the door was arrested by
+Hope.
+
+"One question more--did you bury them too, papa?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"In the same way?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+She drew a long, sighing breath as he disappeared, and turning clasped
+Faith close with a sob of overwrought feeling.  The sisters could not
+talk much over the hideous tale.  The night was shutting down wild and
+stormy, and the labored motion of the good steamship already showed
+that she was meeting heavier seas than they had yet encountered.  Yet,
+singularly, neither felt seasick, as yet.  The intense anxiety until
+their father's return, and the deep interest in his narration since,
+had driven all physical feeling from their minds.
+
+But, after a little, Faith said in a hushed voice, "I'm going to bed,
+Hope.  I couldn't talk to anybody in the saloon, and it's too wild to
+be on deck, so I might as well.
+
+"I'll go too," said Hope, "but let's just take a look out, at least."
+
+She suddenly turned off the electric switch leaving the cabin in total
+darkness, then drew her sister to the broad swell of windows looking
+out upon the forward deck.  It was bare enough tonight.  All the
+awnings were closely furled and the chairs stowed away in snug stacks,
+while not a figure could be seen where all had been light, warmth and
+cheer, a few hours earlier.  Only one or two of the incandescent lights
+were on, and beyond that feeble glow there seemed a great void of
+darkness and storm.  The gloom shut in the steamer's world as with a
+thick curtain; not a star was visible, but now and then a white swirl
+of foam gleamed for a second through the murk, and then, with a
+creaking and groaning as if in pain, the good ship lurched, trembled,
+and as the wave broke with an indescribable noise, steadied herself
+once more, to plunge onward as fast as steam could force her in the
+teeth of wind and wave.
+
+Some days later, when the almost perished man had regained
+consciousness and a modicum of strength, the girls were told the rest
+of his story, which I will give you here.
+
+He was first-mate of the "Shiraz," a tartan, which, to be explicit, is
+a small coasting vessel peculiar to the Mediterranean Sea, used
+principally for conveying stock, and sometimes other merchandise.
+This, headed for the Balearics, had shipped a crew at Algiers, the
+captain being forced to take what he could pick up in a hurry.  He was
+a Corsican, and seems to have been a cruel man, though his mate loyally
+made the best of him, and insisted he was a good captain.
+
+But, be that as it might, some failure in rations and water made the
+crew surly and ready to break out into open grumbling upon any
+pretense, so that, when they encountered a fierce squall, and sprung a
+leak, it was almost impossible to keep them at the pumps, until terror
+of their own lives forced them to yield to discipline.
+
+But, though they finally succeeded in stopping the leak, this was not
+accomplished until the mainsail had been carried away by the heavy sea,
+and other injuries sustained.  It was a terrible time for all, and the
+crew, exhausted and overworked on insufficient food, were only held to
+their tasks by the captain and mates standing over them with loaded
+firearms.
+
+In some unknown way one of them discovered a hogshead of arrack, the
+East Indian whisky, and, unseen by the officers, they tapped it and
+secretly helped themselves.
+
+The fiery, stuff changed them from men into demons, and that night they
+mutinied.  The second mate, who was upon deck, attempted to check their
+rush, but was felled with a cutlass and kicked overboard.  Next, they
+made for the cabin, where the captain and mate were sitting, while the
+former's wife and child were asleep in the adjoining apartment.
+
+There was a sharp, desperate encounter in the small space, in which
+they were quickly over-powered.  But when the mate was struck senseless
+he rolled under the large table, and must have escaped further notice,
+for after despatching the captain and his screaming wife, the mutineers
+evidently took at once to the boats, and left the dismasted hulk to
+founder with its gruesome freight.
+
+But the storm was over by that time, and it had drifted for two days
+and nights, at least, by the mate's reckoning, during which he had lain
+unconscious, wondrously preserved from death.
+
+What was the fate of the seamen thus deserting no one could tell, but
+with men insensate from arrack, even should they have escaped immediate
+danger from the sea, they could hardly make port safely in a small open
+boat.
+
+It was more than probable that the mate was the only one left of the
+ill-fated crew.  Captain Hosmer was unable to take the tartan in tow on
+account of the storm, but marked its location to report it at Algiers,
+that wreckers might be sent to save the cargo and sink the hulk that it
+should no longer be a menace and danger to every passing craft.
+
+"How delightful this is!" murmured Faith early next morning, after
+hours of storm-tossed uneasiness and dread.  "Did you ever hear such
+awful noises as we had all night?  I'm almost afraid to look, for fear
+everything is broken in here."
+
+Hope, wide awake in an instant, returned,
+
+"It is astonishingly still now, isn't it?  I wonder what it means.
+Even the engines have stopped--don't you hear?"
+
+"How can I hear stillness?" laughed Faith.  "I do perceive that they've
+stopped, though.  Yes, we must have come safely into port
+somewhere--why, I wonder if it is Algiers?"
+
+Hope rose up on one elbow, in some excitement, then gave a cry.
+
+"Why, look at the cage--and where is Texas?" and Faith, rising also,
+saw that the bottom had dropped out of the parrot's home and lay, with
+its contents, but not its inmate, upon the floor amid some broken glass
+and crockery.
+
+"The storm has done it!  Where can Texas be?  Oh, I hope he is not
+killed--"
+
+"Good-morning!" croaked a voice at their very ears, and there, on the
+thick nickel rim surrounding one of the portholes just above their
+heads, perched Texas, dignified and imperturbable as ever.
+
+Both girls broke into laughter, and tried to coax him down, but
+unvailingly.  He sat in a solemn quiet such as he seldom showed in his
+cage, and clung to his slippery place with an air that said, "I have
+known trouble and insecurity enough.  Now that I have a foothold, poor
+as it is, I mean to keep it," and though he returned to their coaxing
+civil enough responses, he could not be tempted even to perch upon
+Hope's white wrist, which was usually a proud privilege to his birdship.
+
+"Well," she said, giving it up, "I mean to see what has happened and
+where we are at, as those American newspapers put it.  We must be safe
+somewhere, for they are washing down decks just as usual."
+
+"I wonder if father slept a wink all night," said Faith.  "If he didn't
+then he is probably resting now, so we must be careful not to disturb
+him."
+
+"That's true.  I'll be like a mouse!"  Hope was hurrying into a pink
+_robe de chambre_, which the girls best liked to call a pajama, and now
+slipped her feet into a pair of little Turkish slippers, all toe and
+sole, and opening the communicating door, peered into the library.  It
+was empty, but her father's tarpaulins, in a heap on the floor, just
+outside his stateroom door, showed he was within, so she moved very
+softly across to the broad outlook of windows.
+
+In a minute she went flying back in silent swiftness.  "Come, Faith,"
+she whispered excitedly, "it's the finest thing you ever saw!"
+
+Soon both pajamaed figures were looking with great eyes at the novel
+scene before them.  They found themselves anchored in some large harbor
+amid a forest of shipping, much of it the oddest they had ever seen.
+Instead of the straight, strong masts they were accustomed to, here
+were those that shot up so tall and slender they seemed to bend over of
+their own weight, like a young sapling.  To these rapier-like masts
+were fastened sails of quaint square shape and dingy hues, or of sharp
+triangular form, which they learned afterwards were the lateen sails
+they had read of, but never seen.  The prows of these small vessels
+were all so oddly curved and shaped, while the figureheads suggested
+nightmare fancies of the brain.  Off a little way rose a fine walled
+city that seemed made all of marble, at first glance.  Just now, in
+this early light, it was coldly white like a cemetery, but presently
+the sun shot his first warm beam over the horizon's edge, and lo! a
+transformation.  The towering whiteness now blushed into rosy hues, the
+black-green of the foliage lightened to a delicate tint, while bits of
+gay colors here and there suggested parks and gardens filled with
+bloom.  The cemetery had become a Palace Beautiful.
+
+The girls gazed a long time, then, a bit chilled, for the night's gale
+had greatly cooled the air, they crept back, to sleep a while longer,
+in spite of the well-meant advice of Texas.  "Get up, lazyheads!"
+austerely flung down from the porthole.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+ALGIERS AND ANDY.
+
+It was several hours later before they went ashore, the special party
+that the girls were in being led by Mr. Lawrence, and consisting of the
+four young people.  Mrs. Vanderhoff had been quite upset by the storm,
+and was not equal to any exertion yet, which was, indeed, the condition
+of several of the passengers.
+
+Even Mr. Lawrence looked pale, and laughingly owned to "being a little
+shaky in his gait."  But he thought himself equal to a jaunt in the
+city, especially such an odd, quaint one as Algiers.
+
+Captain Hosmer took them ashore in his own gig, but left them on the
+quay, for he was full of business.  He said they might take their time,
+as he did not expect to get up steam again much before night, and
+slipped a coin into each of the girl's hands, telling them to use it
+"for fun."  Then, explaining that by the time they were ready to board
+her again the steamer would doubtless be in her slip, and thus easily
+reached, he lifted his cap and was off.
+
+"How strange it all is!" cried Bess, with a slow delighted survey.
+"This street we are in might be a part of New York, or of London, so
+far as buildings go, but the old Egyptian fashions and people, the open
+booths, and the queer old street venders are all mixed through it,
+somehow, until it seems as unreal as a dream.
+
+"Yes," laughed Hope; "it makes me think of a girl dressed in a Paris
+gown, but wearing a mishmak, like our ayahs on the ship."
+
+"It's the new grafted upon the old," observed Mr. Lawrence, "and we are
+now coming to what is all old."
+
+He led the way into a narrow lane-like street, which seemed mostly a
+succession of rude steps, leading upwards.
+
+Here they had to move one side and hug the wall, to make way for a
+donkey-train, with heavily laden panniers, which was being goaded along
+by dark-skinned boys, who, as Dwight remarked, seemed to wear all their
+clothes on their heads, where the heavy turban was coiled by the yard,
+while thence to the waist was scarcely any covering.  Their black eyes
+gleamed good-naturedly, however, and when Mr. Lawrence flung a handful
+of small coin among them they scrambled vivaciously, salaamed to him
+and to the girls, and showed every white tooth with pleasure at the
+"backsheesh."
+
+"Dear me!  It seems to be all climb here," remarked Faith wearily,
+after an hour or two of the rough native streets, which divide the old
+town and make it like a different place, as compared with the new.
+
+"Yes, it's climbing, either way you take it," said Dwight.  "You can't
+even have the fun of sliding down-hill after getting up, for these
+steps are so rough you've got to pick your way every instant, or take a
+tumble.  Now, what is that?  Did you ever see anything so queer?  Why,
+_what_ is it?"
+
+Even Mr. Lawrence was nonplussed for a moment, but presently broke into
+laughter, in which he was quickly joined by the rest, for the queer
+figure approaching turned out to be a vender of monkeys, and he had
+certainly chosen a most novel device for carrying his lively burden.  A
+tall branch of considerable size had been freshly cut from an olive
+tree, and its leaves still hung, coldly-gray, and only half wilted,
+from the twigs.
+
+Among this foliage were clustered a dozen or more of the little
+creatures, each fastened by one leg to prevent escape.  This tree-like
+branch was carried straight upward, like a flag-staff, by a stalwart
+Mohammedan who, with his burnous wrapped about him, in all the dignity
+of a Roman senator, stalked steadily ahead, once in a while breaking
+into an odd cry that told his wares, but, as Mr. Lawrence suggested,
+sounded more like the slogan of a Scottish chieftain going into battle.
+Altogether, he was an odd and striking spectacle.
+
+They stopped the man to parley with him, and in a mixture of French and
+Arabic he managed to inform Mr. Lawrence that his monkeys were well
+trained and tamed, and that they came from the Vallee des Singes,[1]
+not far away.
+
+"Oh!" breathed Faith in an aside to her sister, as the men were
+conferring, "aren't they the cunningest things?  And so little!  Hope,
+I've a great mind to buy one in place of poor Hafiz.  Don't you think
+it would be fun?"
+
+"Y-yes, of course.  But aren't they dreadfully mischievous?"
+
+"All the more fun, then!  I certainly am going to buy one.  Father said
+the money he gave us was to be spent for fun, and there's nothing
+funnier than a monkey."
+
+Faith looked and felt like a naughty child.  It was seldom she asserted
+herself against the known inclinations of others, and when she did she
+could be really obstinate.  Hope's objections only increased her desire
+to purchase.
+
+"Mr. Lawrence," she cried eagerly, "do ask him the price of this wee
+thing on the lowest branch--the one that has such a forsaken look.  My
+heart aches for him!"
+
+"But I thought you wanted a funny one, Faith," put in her sister.
+"Now, this looks much jollier; see how he jumps about and grimaces."
+
+But Faith's tender heart was touched by the mournful look of the
+smaller creature, and she felt, somehow, that she could better justify
+her purchase if compassion helped to sway her, for, though no one
+really opposed her, she felt denial in the air, and was quite certain
+she might meet it from her father upon her return to the ship with this
+new pet.  So she went on rapidly, "Yes, I want this one.  With good
+care and petting he will grow happier, I'm sure.  Then he really looks
+as if he had a conscience."
+
+Mr. Lawrence laughed.
+
+"Be not deceived by that long visage, Miss Hosmer.  I have a foreboding
+that he will prove a terror.  Time will tell."
+
+Dwight was of course wild to invest, also, but his uncle said,
+
+"No, my boy!  One monkey is a good many.  Wait and see how this will
+turn out.  There's no end to the opportunities for monkey deals in this
+part of the world.  They are a drug on the market."
+
+Meanwhile, the stately vender set his tree against a wall and began
+gravely untying the wizened little specimen from his branch, then
+handed him into the eagerly outstretched hands of Faith with a superb
+smile, as if he were some great potentate conferring a priceless boon
+upon a beloved subject.  Not that he was anything but the poorest
+fellah,[2] with scarce a sou to his credit, but this is Oriental
+mannerism, and most impressive mannerism it is, too.
+
+He then raised his finger and addressed a regular harangue to the
+creature, who, with tail curled about Faith's wrist, sat gravely upon
+his two palms and listened.  The tiny beast was so moveless, so
+attentive, and so solemn, its master so earnest and impressive that all
+looked on wonderingly until, having finished his remarks, the Arab gave
+a last shake of his dingy finger monkeywards, salaamed low to the
+party, then shouldering his burden stalked on once more, the little
+captive looking after him for a minute, and then wrinkling up his mummy
+visage to give a weak, babyish cry.
+
+"Oh, dear!  He's going to be homesick," groaned Faith, almost repenting
+of her bargain.  "See him cry after the man!  What shall I do with him?"
+
+"Let me take him," urged Dwight.  "I'll button him up in my jacket and
+he'll forget and go to sleep, and then, when he wakes, he'll be all
+right."
+
+"Do you think so?  Well, here he is--but tie the string tight to
+something, so that you won't lose him, please."
+
+"Of course--to my buttonhole, here.  There Mr. Monkey, you can't
+complain of that for a nest--see here!  Don't scratch so, you little
+varmint!  You'll tear my shirt front to smithereens."
+
+For a time there certainly was danger of such a catastrophe, but by
+soothing and petting the tiny thing was at length appeased, and settled
+down to slumber, while Dwight, in great content over his odd burden,
+trudged along with the rest, wishing more than ever that the little
+treasure were his very own.
+
+They had a delightful stroll of three hours up and down the queer
+scrambling streets of the old town, stopping now and then to buy fruit,
+or curios, of the merchants in the open booths, sitting cross-legged
+and solemn over their long pipes, and seeming so utterly indifferent to
+purchasers, until they were in danger of losing them, when they woke to
+eager gesticulation and gabble.
+
+Occasionally, they peered into the doors of the native schools, where
+the scholars squatted on shelves about the dim room, and were graduated
+as to size, the largest sitting nearest the ceiling.
+
+"For all the world," whispered Hope, "like a cupboard full of china
+pitchers!"
+
+Next to this, perhaps, would be a group that only needed framing to
+make a picture, where two grave men, each wrapped in his burnous, sat
+Turk-fashion, playing checkers before a low doorway, while back in the
+shadow an indistinct figure, in flowing white drapery, touched the
+strings of some instrument which sent out a sound of thin tinkling,
+that could scarcely be called music because so tuneless and monotonous.
+
+In places the streets were so very narrow, dark, and filthy, and the
+few figures slid away into the windowless house walls in so ghostlike a
+fashion, that the girls hesitated a little before following their guide.
+
+"I feel a good deal as if I were going through a graveyard," whispered
+Bess once, "only it's one where the inmates sometimes walk!"
+
+"Yes," said Mr. Lawrence, and told her how a French author who has
+written well and largely of this odd corner of the earth, called these
+steep dark streets, "mysterious staircases leading to silence," which
+greatly impressed them all as entirely descriptive of their weirdness.
+
+Hunger at length drove them back to the fine new town, with its broad,
+well-paved streets, gas and electric lights, gay awnings, and beautiful
+parks and squares where grew a very luxury of blossoms.  They were all
+quite ready for rest and dinner, and felt they had found both in the
+great dining-room of an elegant hotel, where the only foreign things
+were the punkahs and the turbaned waiters, for the tables, glittering
+in silver and crystal, the richly frescoed walls, the surrounding
+galleries lined with blooming plants, the military band playing there,
+and the many uniformed officers among the guests at table, suggested
+only French dominion and Parisian luxury and fashion.  Indeed, as Mr.
+Lawrence explained, Algeria is a French colony, and its fortified walls
+are manned and guarded by French soldiers, only.
+
+The dinner was exquisitely cooked and served, and all were enjoying it
+as only youth and good digestion, stimulated by exercise, can, when
+something happened--Mr. Monkey awoke.  Dwight felt his wriggles, but
+hoped he would calm down again after a little, as he had before.  The
+rest of the party, absorbed in their dinner, had nearly forgotten the
+stranger, and Bess, when she saw an uneasy movement or two on her
+brother's part, thought he had taken too large and hot a mouthful of
+the red curry, and gave him a protesting glance for his greediness.
+
+The next instant there was a worse convulsion, and just under his
+necktie suddenly appeared a tiny apish head.  Before any one could do
+more than gasp the whole monkey was out of prison, and, with a leap to
+Dwight's shoulder, began taking observations; then seeing the food on
+his plate made a dive for it.
+
+Both Dwight and Mr. Lawrence interfered to stop him, but the creature
+was brought up short by his bit of rope, fastened to the lad's
+buttonhole, and began crying loudly as he hung suspended by one leg for
+an instant.
+
+With a scarlet face Dwight jerked him upright, and tried to slip him
+into a pocket; but by this time Mr. Monkey's ire was up, and he scorned
+to be thus concealed.  People all about were looking and laughing,
+while the head-waiter was bearing down upon them with a threatening
+eye.  Faith, conscience-stricken, and too well aware that she ought to
+bear the brunt other new pet's misbehavior, rather than Dwight, looked
+on miserably, as red as he, while Hope giggled wildly, and Bess looked
+utterly disgusted.
+
+Dwight made another clutch at the creature, which evaded him and, with
+a rapid movement, wound the rope around his neck so tightly that he
+choked, and began to turn black in the face.  Mr. Lawrence, who, though
+mortified by the sensation they were creating, could not restrain his
+laughter, now sprang to his nephew's aid, and was about to cut the
+strangling cord when another flashing movement unwound it, and left the
+lad's windpipe intact.
+
+Thoroughly angry now, Dwight caught the apish thing, and, boxing its
+ears till it howled, stuffed it into his pocket and hurried from the
+room, his dinner forgotten in his chagrin.
+
+"Oh, oh!" moaned Faith, cowering disconsolately over her plate, "what
+can I do, Mr. Lawrence?  Poor Dwight!  It's all my fault.  And he was
+_so_ hungry.  Can't we give it to somebody, or--or wring its neck, if
+it must be?  It's too bad!"
+
+"Well, it is a somewhat upsetting episode," he agreed, still shaking
+inwardly, "but it may serve one good purpose.  Dwight will cease his
+teasing to own one of the pesky things, I imagine.  And don't worry
+over his dinner, Miss Faith.  He's eaten enough already to keep him
+from starvation, I'm sure, and I'll see that he returns to finish after
+the guests have thinned somewhat.  Poor boy!  He's had monkey enough
+for to-day, I'll warrant."
+
+They soon left the table, for Faith could not eat another mouthful, and
+all felt anxious to know how the battle had ended.  They at length
+found Dwight sitting dejectedly in one of the veranda chairs, his hair
+tumbled, coat torn, and necktie awry, and his face as long as his arm.
+The monkey, quite as solemn, was tied to a post, and sat pensively
+holding its chops in its skinny palms and eyeing its new master with
+great disfavor.
+
+"So you've conquered?" laughed Mr. Lawrence, while Faith began humbly
+to beg pardon, but was quickly interrupted.
+
+"What for?" asked Dwight brusquely.  "You couldn't help it because he's
+a fool, could you?"
+
+"No, no, Dwight--not that!  Only a monkey," cried Hope, delighting in
+the scene.  "You and Faith both wanted a funny one, you know, and
+you've got it, so what's the use of fretting?  I'll tell you--let's
+give him to the next beggar that follows us, shall we, Faith?
+
+"No," said the girl with sudden resolution, "I'll take care of him,
+myself."
+
+She stepped close to the troubled mite and untying the rope, gently
+lifted it to her arms, softly stroking it and speaking in a low, cooing
+voice.  Both touch and glance proved magnetic, and soon it had curled
+down in the shelter of her arms and gave no more trouble.
+
+After Dwight had finished his interrupted repast Mr. Lawrence said
+there was one more place, not far distant, that he wanted them
+particularly to visit, and all somewhat reluctantly followed him into a
+church that, though handsome, looked too thoroughly English to seem
+interesting amid old-world quaintness.  But they were to find
+themselves mistaken.  It proved to be, indeed, an English chapel, but
+it was still more--a memorial to all English-speaking people who once
+suffered martyrdom in this city, when it boasted its thousands of
+Christian slaves brought from doomed vessels by the dreaded Corsairs;
+also of those who have died more happily, as free men, in later years.
+
+As they strolled quietly about the interesting building, beneath the
+stained-glass windows, reading these various records, which are
+inscribed on precious marbles in high colors, that make a dado around
+the walls, Hope gave a little cry and eagerly beckoned Dwight, who had
+fallen behind.  He came at once, and both read with intense
+satisfaction a glowing tribute to a certain American consul from our
+own United States, who once "rendered eminent services to the British
+nation"--so read the inscription--by friendly help to the British
+Consul, who was held in chains by the Dey, and his family expelled to
+lonely and terrified isolation far in the interior.  A grateful nation
+had erected the tablet.
+
+"Good!" whispered Dwight, then as if to relieve their excited feelings,
+the two gravely shook hands.
+
+"What means this ceremony?" asked Mr. Lawrence with amusement, as he
+looked on surprisedly, and Dwight, pointing to the mural tablet,
+answered with dignity,
+
+"We were just showing our pride in our two countries, uncle," and in
+spite of the disarray caused by his little unpleasantness with the
+monkey, Dwight at that moment looked so noble that his uncle could not
+help a quick, "Bless you, my boy!" as he laid a hand lovingly upon the
+lad's shoulder.
+
+When on board the "International" once more, our friends separated for
+needed rest, and the sisters entered the library, to find their father
+busy over a wilderness of papers spread out upon the large table in the
+center.  But he took leisure to give them a hearty greeting, and cried
+merrily,
+
+"You never can guess what I found for you in Algiers!"
+
+"Nor you what I found in Algiers," returned Faith quickly, keeping a
+firm hold on the little captive, who was now hidden beneath her lace
+scarf.
+
+"You found?  Have you been buying me a present, girlie?" laughed her
+father with eager interest.
+
+"Why, n--no, not exactly," stammered Faith, somewhat taken aback, and
+growing decidedly warm in her efforts to keep the beast quiet.  "Only
+I--"
+
+"What's the matter with your hands?  Can't you keep 'em still under
+that gauze thing?" asked her father suspiciously, while Hope, expectant
+and amused, looked on with dancing eyes.
+
+"Yes only--oh!  Hope, I can't hold him, he scratches so--a-auch!" and
+in spite of herself she dropped the spunky mite which, like a streak of
+lightning, dashed across the room and up Captain Hosmer's leg, into his
+coat pocket.  The yard of twine, still attached to him, hung outside,
+and the astonished man, seeing only the streak and the string, sprang
+up with a shout of dismay.
+
+"A snake!" he cried.  "A _snake_!  What are you doing with a snake?"
+
+Hope, in a paroxysm, fell back upon the window seat, Faith, between
+laughter and dismay, tried to explain, and poor little Monsieur Siege,
+nearly scared out of his wits, darted from the inhospitable pocket up
+the chair-back, then leaped to the top of the window, where, feeling
+secure, he hung himself up to the curtain-rod by his tail, and
+proceeded to scold, like a perfect virago.
+
+The captain looked at him, glanced down at his pocket saw the "snake"
+had gone, but thumping it once or twice to make sure turned upon Faith,
+his face red and puckered, yet with a gleam of fun in his eye that
+detracted from the fierceness of his mien.
+
+"You little greenhorn!  Have you been buying a nasty monkey?" he
+thundered.
+
+"Oh, papa!  I'm sorry if you're not pleased.  I thought, now poor Hafiz
+is dead--and Hope has Texas--oh see, see!  Ha, ha!  I _must_ laugh.
+Isn't that the cutest thing you ever saw?"
+
+For the shriveled witch, taking in the whole scene, had drawn himself
+up as nearly like the captain as possible and with one wee fist doubled
+up, was thumping his own little hams, an exact imitation of the man's
+gesture.  In spite of himself, Captain Hosmer burst into laughter, Hope
+fairly rolled, and Faith, relieved and delighted, let the merry peals
+ring out, till Tegeloo, busy with some duty just outside, shook his
+little fat sides, and showed all his ivories in sympathy.
+
+Faith and her pet had won the day, and when her father broke out,
+
+"Where did you get such a Handy-Andy?" she cried quickly,
+
+"There, you've named him, father, you've named him!  I have been
+wondering what to call him, and that's just the thing.  Handy-Andy he
+shall be."
+
+And Handy-Andy he was, but this soon became shortened to Andy alone,
+and by that name we will speak of his monkeyship in future.
+
+
+
+[1] Vale of Monkeys.
+
+[2] Egyptian peasant.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+GUESSWORK.
+
+"But," said the captain, at length, "you haven't guessed yet what I
+have for you."
+
+"Sure enough!" cried Hope, suddenly sitting upright.  "Is it a sari for
+each, or a fez, or--"
+
+"Or a pajama?" laughed Faith.
+
+"No, you are miles away!  It's something that is precious, that you can
+share equally, and that did not cost me a penny.  There!  I've given
+you pointers enough for the dullest guesser."
+
+"And only made it harder!" said Hope.
+
+"Let's see, it's precious, and to be shared, and cost nothing?  I
+didn't suppose one could even pick up a pebble, in Algiers, without its
+costing."
+
+"Well, this is not a pebble," returned the father.
+
+"Oh, may we ask questions?" cried Faith.  "Like the game of 'Twenty
+Questions,' you know?" and, at his nod, she continued excitedly, "Is it
+animal, vegetable, or mineral?"
+
+"Well, one might almost say all three," said their father slowly, "for
+its principal ingredient is certainly vegetable, yet with it is a
+strong impress of what may be made from a mineral, and neither would be
+of the least use, but for the animal, which combines the two, to make
+them what they are."
+
+"Dear! dear!  It grows harder and harder," groaned Hope.  "Is its
+principal element fire, air, earth, or water?"
+
+"Well, you've rather caught me there," laughed the father.  "Let me
+see--there may be fire of a certain kind in it, though it's not yet
+visible; of course it is permeated with air, like everything else, and,
+judging from its appearance, I should think there was considerable
+earth about it--" laughing amusedly--"but water?  Well, no--it has
+crossed water, no doubt, but--"
+
+"Papa, it's a book!" Hope burst out with conviction.  "The paper is
+vegetable, the ink mineral, and the fire is--is--well, genius, you
+know, and--wait!  I'll ask another question; can it be opened and shut?"
+
+"It can be open--yes.  But shut?  I hardly see how--"
+
+"Why, surely, papa, you can shut a book," put in Faith.
+
+"But it isn't a book," returned the captain blandly, at which both
+stared in dumb amazement.
+
+"Not a _book_?  Oh dear!" they sighed in concert.
+
+Their father laughed outright.
+
+"Why don't you ask some more questions?" he cried teasingly.
+
+"Oh, because it seems as if every one mixed us up worse.  I was so
+_sure_ it was a book," groaned Hope, quite crestfallen.
+
+"Well then, is it useful or ornamental?"
+
+"Now, that's a poser!"  He ruminated a minute, then said, "It's useful,
+certainly, but not just what you'd call ornamental.  One wouldn't save
+it for an ornament--not this one, anyway, but simply for its contents--"
+
+"I have it, I have it!"  Faith actually jumped up and down.
+
+"It's a letter!  It's a letter from Debby!  Now, isn't it?  Your
+'contents' gave it away.  Say I'm right, father--come, now!"
+
+"Well, you are.  You've guessed it, that's certain."
+
+"Humph!" sneered Hope, distinctly miffed, "who couldn't, after you'd
+fairly told it?  I knew all the time it was a book, or a letter, or
+something."
+
+"You should have said so sooner, Miss Hindsight," laughed her father.
+"But I confess you came pretty close to it, my dear.  And here it is.
+From Debby, surely, because from Portsmouth, but this elegant modern
+writing is never hers in the world.  She has evidently engaged some
+friend to write that address, and it's a neat one."
+
+"Father, you said there was earth about it; how can that be?" broke in
+Hope, scarcely mollified, as yet.
+
+He held it up, and pointed to its worn condition, and two or three
+black thumb-marks.
+
+"Isn't there earth for you?" he laughed.  "What is earth but soil?"
+
+"Oh--h!" cried Hope, "is that fair--to play upon words so?"
+
+"Let's call it square anyhow, sweetheart, and you read it aloud to
+sister and me, won't you?"
+
+Hope could do no less than comply, and the bulky missive was received
+by the listeners with as much respectful enjoyment as if it had been a
+neat-appearing, well-worded epistle, instead of the rambling,
+disjointed, much-soiled, and oddly-expressed letter that it was.  The
+good woman began and ended every paragraph with lamentations and
+longings over her darlings, and the lines between told of her 'good'
+and 'bad' lodgers, as she distinctly divided them, her few pleasure
+jaunts, and some of the gossip of the neighborhood, only a few words of
+which concern this little history.
+
+"You'll recklict," she wrote, "the leddy what come jest a dey or too
+before yoo saled?  Well, shees heer yit and I like 'er best ov al.  She
+ain't to say real lively, yoo no, but shese good compny, and ken talk
+good on most enny sub-jick, and she ain't abuv spending a 'our with old
+Debby now'n then either.  She is thee wun what is riting yure names on
+this verry letter--ain't it good ov 'er?"
+
+"Who is this lodger?" asked the captain.  "I don't remember seeing her."
+
+The girls looked at each other inquiringly.
+
+"Don't you remember, Hope?"
+
+"I didn't suppose you'd forget, Faith!" were their simultaneous
+remarks, as each began to laugh.
+
+"No," said Hope then, "I can't remember at all; but I know she was
+looking at our rooms just the day before we sailed, and we thought her
+very ladylike and pleasant.  Don't you know how interested she seemed
+in our voyage, and how we thought her an American, then recalled
+afterwards that we had not found out whether she was or not?"
+
+"Yes, it does come back to me," said Faith, and the talk drifted into
+other home matters, not essential here.
+
+The next day was more sultry than any they had yet experienced, and the
+decks were filled with loungers.  Hope and Bess, however, were deeply
+occupied over some new stitch in embroidery, that one was teaching the
+other, and Faith, who had been romping with the little ones till warm
+and weary, thought, while resting in a deep steamer-chair by herself,
+that she would give dear old Debby's letter a second reading.  As she
+drew it from her pocket for that purpose, and removed the envelope, a
+little puff of wind caught the latter from her lap, and sent it lightly
+skimming down the deck.  Faith, quite unheeding, read on, smiling over
+her nurse's peculiar spelling, and the envelope sped along its way
+unchecked, an unconscious instrument of fate.  As if heaven-directed,
+it presently swerved a trifle from its first course, fluttered to and
+fro an instant, then neared a woman, who sat listlessly by herself, her
+arms resting upon those of her chair and her eyes, dark and sad,
+fastened upon the far horizon.  There was a tense quiet in her attitude
+that seemed to cover something most unlike quietude within.
+
+A slight noise at her side broke the spell of her gloomy musing and,
+glancing down, she saw the bit of stiff paper lying motionless beside
+her, and thinking it something she might herself have dropped, reached
+idly down and picked it up.
+
+But at the first glance she was as one electrified.  Sitting upright,
+pallid and eager, she gazed at the superscription, her face growing
+radiant with hope and joy.  At length she rose and, turning about,
+looked forward along the deck, gay with its groups in light clothing,
+its covering awnings, and its little children with their picturesque
+Indian ayahs.
+
+A short way off sat Faith, smiling over her letter, and to her went
+Lady Moreham, a soft expression upon her face that made it lovely.
+
+"My dear," she said, as the girl looked up brightly, "is this yours?"
+
+Faith glanced at the envelope, which the speaker did not offer to
+relinquish.
+
+"Why, yes.  Did I drop it?  Oh, it blew away.  Thank you for returning
+it."
+
+As she spoke she rose, with instinctive courtesy, and offered her
+chair, bringing another from a little distance for herself.  Lady
+Moreham accepted it with an absent manner, and, sinking into it, said
+quickly, with agitation in her tones,
+
+"I must ask you a question or two, but not out of curiosity, believe
+me.  Was this address written by some one you know--a friend?"
+
+Faith smiled.
+
+"Yes and no, my lady.  We have met the one who wrote it--Hope and
+I--but neither of us can recall her name;" and thereupon she told
+something of her old nurse, and the coming of the new lodger, just
+before their departure on this journey.
+
+Lady Moreham listened with breathless interest, her eyes intent upon
+the envelope, which she still held.  As Faith touched lightly upon the
+appearance of the stranger, she said briefly.
+
+"Tell me more, please.  Describe everything about her.  Was she tall,
+or short?  What colored hair and eyes?  What sort of voice?"
+
+"A flutey voice, like some birds I've listened to," returned the girl
+ruminantly, "but with something a bit odd and different in her speech
+that made us think her an American, and Hope even spoke of it; but just
+then the carriage came to take us to the wharf, and she forgot to
+answer."
+
+"Yes, yes," cried the other eagerly, "and she was tall and slender?"
+
+"Very, and a fine figure, we thought.  She had light brown hair, and
+her eyes--"
+
+"Yes, her eyes--"  Lady Moreham was bending forward with bated breath,
+and Faith watched her wonderingly as she continued, "When she looked at
+you, listening to what you had to say, was there any peculiarity?"
+
+"Only that they were not of the same size nor color," laughed the girl,
+"and she had a way of dropping her head a little, and looking up
+sidewise like a bird."
+
+"True, true!" breathed the lady, "and as you say one eye was brown and
+one blue."
+
+Faith nodded acquiescence, but smiled to herself, knowing she had said
+nothing of the kind.
+
+"But you cannot remember her name?"
+
+"No, neither of us.  We only saw her for a few minutes, once or twice,
+you see."
+
+A little cloud fell over the lady's face, and after a perplexed gaze,
+in which her eyes, fixed upon Faith, seemed to look through and beyond
+her, she rose abruptly, said in her usual reserved manner, "Thank you
+for your information," and walked away.
+
+Faith, looking after her wonderingly, saw young Allyne standing near,
+his eyes turned wistfully upon herself.  She flushed a little, and so
+did he; then, with an impulsive movement, he made a step forward.
+
+"Miss Hosmer," he began quickly, "I've wanted to say a word to your
+sister for some time, but no opportunity has offered.  Perhaps it will
+be just as well to say it to you?"
+
+Faith bowed, not comprehending, and he went on rapidly, as if to hurry
+over a disagreeable duty,
+
+"I feel that I was inexcusable, the other evening, in my reference to
+your sister, and I can't understand myself at all.  I suppose she
+doesn't care what I think of her--good, bad, or indifferent--but I want
+you, at least, to know that I do think her one of the sweetest, most
+modest, girls I ever saw--too reserved and quiet, indeed, if she has a
+flaw!"
+
+Faith's drooped eyes were dancing.  She knew the young man believed
+himself to be speaking to Hope, about herself, and that, to be quite
+fair, she ought to undeceive him at once.  But a spirit of mischief had
+taken possession of her and she felt he deserved some punishment.
+Besides, it is so rare a chance when one can talk oneself over with a
+person who has not learned one's identity!  So she answered brusquely,
+in Hope's own manner,
+
+"I couldn't understand it, either, and it will be hard to make my
+sister listen.  She is a bit inflexible, at times.  If you knew her
+better you could never have hurt her so.  She is not a flirt, by any
+means!"
+
+"I know it!" groaned Allyne, thoroughly shamed and penitent.  "I knew
+it then, but--I may as well own up--it was the champagne."
+
+"More shame to you!" declared Faith with unusual decision.  "That is no
+excuse at all, for if it makes you do and say things to regret later.
+Why don't you simply let it alone?"
+
+He looked at her with a derisive laugh.
+
+"Why don't I?" he began, then catching her earnest expression, checked
+himself.  "That's good logic, I suppose," he added.
+
+"More--it's good sense," she argued.  "I love oranges, for instance,
+but they make me ill.  Do you suppose I go on eating them?  That would
+be too foolish!  Yet men are supposed to have more strength and
+self-control than women."
+
+The attache drew up a chair and dropped into it, not loth to linger,
+even to be lectured.
+
+"I don't think men have more of such strength though," he said.  "Their
+superiority is physical, not mental."
+
+"They ought to be ashamed to own it!" cried Faith.  "The two should go
+together."
+
+"Well, we are ashamed--_I_ am ashamed!" smiling upon her.  "Yet we are
+willing to give you girls all the credit you like for your decision of
+character, only caring to retain just a little vanity on account of our
+own endurance in other ways.  And you'll have to own there isn't one of
+you who likes a Molly Coddle!"
+
+"Is it being a Molly Coddle to be strong and true to yourself?"
+
+"Oh, well, you put it nicely, but just look at the fellows who will sit
+by and never join in the wine and the fun--aren't they a rather
+feeble-looking set?"
+
+"Is my father feeble?" asked Faith, turning such a sweetly arch and
+tender face upon him that the young man felt his heart thump.
+
+"Well no--hardly!" he laughed.
+
+"Yet he knows enough to leave all liquor alone, and believes himself
+the stronger for it.  And don't you, yourself, feel a bit safer on
+board this steamer, to know he can perfectly control himself?"
+
+Allyne tapped his chair arm and ruminated.
+
+"_He_ certainly is no Molly Coddle!" he observed, finally, with a vivid
+remembrance of the captain's stern visage and curt manner upon a
+certain uncomfortable occasion.  "I think I never looked at the matter
+quite in this light before, Miss Hosmer.  Nearly every one I meet takes
+wine, and I've been disgusted with myself that I couldn't keep my head
+so long as others did when drinking.  It never occurred to me to keep
+my head by not drinking at all!  That's worth considering.  Thank you
+for a kind word and good thought!"
+
+"You are welcome!" smiled the girl rising.  "And I'll leave you to
+digest it while I go and read to Mrs. Blakely."
+
+"Mrs. Blakely!  That old lady with the green goggles?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What, in goodness' name do you find to admire in her?  I thought she
+was a cranky old invalid."
+
+"Well, she is not very young, nor handsome, nor pleasant, and she has
+trouble with her eyes--but that's just why I do read to her.  Now, nice
+strong people with good eyes, and manners--like yourself, for instance,
+don't need such attention.  You can amuse yourselves;" and with a
+laughing glance, and little mocking courtesy, she slipped away.
+
+He looked after her with admiring eyes.
+
+"She hit me there!" he owned inwardly.  "But even her scorn is
+pleasant.  Gad!  I can congratulate myself that she isn't the one I
+insulted.  She would never have forgiven me--that's certain!  As it is,
+this little girl may intercede with her sister and make it easier
+there.  I'm glad I had the sand to speak out, anyhow!"
+
+He had been seated some time, lost in thoughts that could not harm him,
+when Hope came tripping by, intent on finding Dwight, with whom she had
+some scheme on hand, her eyes dancing with fun and expectation.
+Allyne, looking up, thought his _vis-a-vis_ of a short time since was
+back again, the arch, laughing expression with which she had left him
+not yet cold on her face.  "I have thought it all out," he said
+quickly, "and you are right.  I mean to try it, at least."
+
+Hope stopped, with a cold stare of astonishment.
+
+"Try it?" she repeated blankly.
+
+"Yes," his face falling like the barometer before a storm.  "Surely,
+you have not forgotten!  I'll try going without entirely, if you tell
+me to.  It is best, and you are right.  But, if I do, may I not count
+upon your friendship to help me?  And you surely will make it right
+with your sister, also?  Though I may value yours the most, I can never
+feel right until that is straightened out."
+
+Hope saw there was something she did not comprehend, but from former
+experiences concluded she could pretty accurately conjecture what had
+gone before.  In some way this bold offender had seen and talked to
+Faith, won her soft heart to pardon, and was now suing for her own
+forgiveness, with the belief that she and Faith had talked it over, and
+only thus could her full friendship be secured.  She would lead him on
+to fuller confession before committing herself.  It would serve him
+rightly for his insolence!  Because her sister was soft-hearted was no
+reason she should be, and when he offended one he must learn that he
+offended both.
+
+"I don't know that I can make it right with her," she said guardedly.
+"Why should I try?"
+
+"Oh, but you seemed so forgiving a moment since," he urged.  "You
+haven't repented of it so soon, I'm sure."
+
+"I did, did I?" thought Hope, still more puzzled but bound not to show
+it--then aloud, "But girls sometimes change their minds."
+
+"In a half hour?  Then, where is that decision you boast of?  No, if
+you are weak enough to do that, there is no use in my trying."
+
+"Trying what?" wondered Hope, and said vaguely, "The two cases are
+scarcely similar."
+
+"Perhaps not, but how could you consistently call me weak to yield to
+wine, if you are to be helpful and kind one minute, and scornful the
+next?  You said you would help me to win over Miss Faith, and I thought
+you also tacitly promised me help in another way.  Are you going back
+on everything, now?"
+
+"No, indeed!" cried Hope, fully comprehending at last.  ("So he talked
+Faith over, thinking it was I--and she let him think so--sly puss!  I
+didn't believe it was in her!")  Then aloud, "I will do what I can, of
+course, but Faith, though seeming so gentle, has a strain of
+obstinacy--"
+
+"Yes, you hinted at that before."
+
+("Indeed!" laughed the girl inside, "how well she did it!")
+
+"But she is so fond of you, and I long to be friends with both."
+
+"Yes?" interpolated Hope, with an indifferent accent.
+
+"Yes," strongly; "but if I can't have her friendship, I still plead for
+yours.  You can help me--you have helped me already."
+
+"But if she won't listen to me?" queried the girl, keeping her amused
+eyes lowered.
+
+"Then give it up, and I will bear her displeasure; but don't double it
+by adding your own."
+
+"Then, possibly, I had better not say anything--"
+
+"And keep the matter to ourselves?" eagerly.
+
+"Why, y-yes, for the present, at least."
+
+"All right!  I'm willing.  Only you'll ignore me when she's by, I'm
+afraid."
+
+Hope turned suddenly away, almost unable to control her laughter.
+
+"I ought to ignore you always," she said, "but--"
+
+"But you won't, I'm sure!  And, in time, even she will see how I have
+improved, and relent towards me."
+
+"Do you think so?" asked Hope in a smothered tone.
+
+"Indeed I do!  She is too sweet and fine a girl to hold resentment, I'm
+sure.  I'll win her over yet!"
+
+"Well, you might try," said the naughty girl in a tone of doubtful
+assent, "but my sister is not one to be trifled with, and you were wise
+to come to me.  If you ever do speak to her, I wouldn't advise you to
+repeat this conversation--" and, chuckling amusedly, Hope sped on her
+way, leaving Allyne in great contentment of mind.  He looked after her
+with a smile.
+
+"It was lucky I tackled the right one!" he muttered.  "The other is
+lovely; I suppose, but I like a little more force and fire.  In spite
+of their resemblance it's easy enough to tell them apart when one is
+really interested.  Well, I must keep my promise, now, and behave
+myself--that is clear!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+TROPICAL EVENINGS.
+
+Our voyagers thought they had already known something of torrid heat, but
+the next few days was to show that, as yet, they had only begun to
+appreciate it; for there is but one hotter zone on earth than this in
+which the Red Sea lies, and that contains the Persian Gulf and Senegambia.
+
+As they steamed into the Suez Canal, upon leaving uninteresting Port
+Said, every one was brought to the decks by curiosity and interest.  This
+world-renowned ditch, which has revolutionized the commerce and travel of
+the whole earth, begins with much breadth and promise, but soon narrows
+down to a watery roadway, scarcely wider than a city street, where
+meeting vessels cannot pass, except as one hugs the siding, and at night
+the "International" was obliged to "tie up," as the captain expressed it,
+that there need be no danger of collisions.
+
+Its great propelling screw churned the narrow stream into waves that wore
+away the sandy banks on either side, and the cries of the flamingoes,
+storks, and pelicans, inhabiting the marshes, were constantly in the ears
+of the deck loungers.
+
+Dwight, perhaps, was the one who wrested the most fun from the situation,
+for while the rest soon grew weary of the monotony, and lethargic with
+the heat, groaning aloud every time they had to seek the siding in order
+to let some great train of laden boats go by, he found fresh enjoyment in
+every stop, and in blouse and knickerbockers, with bare feet, paddled
+about on the moist banks, making friends with the half-clothed
+camel-drivers, whose patient beasts knelt so obediently to be loaded with
+the silt deposits taken from the bed of the canal, and collecting items
+of interest in regard to this artery of commerce which might have made
+even its founder open his eyes.  The girls profited by his researches,
+and it was, indeed, a common thing for any passenger, when asking
+questions about "De Lessep's Ditch," to hear, "Oh, ask Dwight!  He knows
+it all."
+
+Both here, and on the Red Sea, into which they entered on the third
+morning, the staterooms and cabins, in spite of waving punkahs, were
+almost intolerable, and nobody could get up life enough to do more than
+lounge feebly on the upper decks in their lightest clothing, reading the
+lightest literature.  At night, mattresses were laid on deck, and most of
+the men slept there, while our twin sisters gladly took to their father's
+cabin floor and a folded comforter, with the great windows wide to catch
+every breath of air.
+
+Hemmed in upon these sluggish waters, swept by no wide sea breeze, but
+only by an occasional sluggish puff from the sun-dried deserts of the
+shore, they realized fully what torrid heat means.  This long stretch of
+southern travel is perhaps the most wearisome part of the long journey,
+yet there were sometimes scenes and sights of the dark hours that almost
+compensated.  One night, there was a phosphorescent and electrical
+display that could never be forgotten.  The sultry air was surcharged
+with the magic fluid, which made itself evident in most unexpected ways
+and places.  Points of dull iron about the steamer would suddenly break
+into a soft glow, like an astral lamp silently lighted by unseen hands;
+certain fabrics crackled fiercely at the touch, and soft waves of light
+flitted over exposed surfaces, only half perceived till gone.  The slow
+moving waves of the sea glowed and sparkled in phosphorescent fire, and
+the sky was a constantly changing curtain, upon which were thrown lights
+and shadows, rays and wrinkles of every hue.  Far above, in the deep
+blue-black of the wonderful canopy, blazed the brilliant Southern
+constellations--the Cross gleaming in white splendor midway between
+horizon and zenith.
+
+The girls, grouped with others, watched well into the nights, that were
+too hot for sleep, and in these still, solemn watches small resentments
+were forgotten, and friendships that could not be bounded by an ocean
+voyage, grew apace.
+
+While the younger passengers enjoyed with little care, the older, finding
+deeper significance in Nature's wonders, also watched and waited.  Before
+they had left the Canal, however, Lady Moreham, with Faith's forgotten
+envelope in her pocket, sought Captain Hosmer on one of those breathless
+evenings when he fretted from inaction, and asked abruptly,
+
+"Captain, do you remember Clara?"
+
+"Your sister?  Certainly.  She was a little girl when we were young folks
+together."
+
+"Yes, but only four years younger, after all, and the dearest child!  We
+corresponded for years until--my trouble."
+
+The captain eyed her with an amused smile.
+
+"It seems a little strange to hear you call it that!"
+
+"But what else was it?  The bitterest trouble!"
+
+"So it seems--yes.  But how did you so completely lose sight of your
+family?"
+
+"I stopped writing.  They had no address.  There were only Jane and Clara
+left, and Jane was absorbed in her own family.  I sometimes think Clara
+might have understood and helped me; she was different from the rest and
+so fond of me."
+
+"It was a foolish thing to cut yourself off so thoroughly, my friend."
+
+"You don't need to tell me that--but neither can you ever understand how
+my pride was wounded, and how mortifying it was, after all my boasts of
+the glories in store for us, to have to confess what I was subjected to,
+that I might be fit to live among their high-mightinesses!"
+
+"It certainly was hard, but was it right to let them think that, perhaps,
+you had become too proud to associate with your own family?"
+
+"Oh, I know, I know, it was a horrid thing to do, and I have been well
+punished for it, but I felt, in my resentful shame, that I wanted to fly
+from every one who had ever known me.  It was so belittling--so
+despicable!  Some trials make us nobler, and awaken the sympathy of our
+friends; other excite only ridicule.  Mine were utterly ridiculous and
+common to others though bitter to me.  But I have suffered through my
+pride--oh, how I have suffered!"
+
+"You were always given to exaggerating things Anna--beg pardon!  Lady----"
+
+"No, no, use the old name--I like it!  Aren't you the one friend left me?
+I want no titles from you.  They are worse than nonsense between such
+life-long friends.  And what a 'sounding brass' any title of mine must
+seem to you, anyhow!  But we're wandering from the subject.  My sister
+Clara wrote a peculiar hand, plain, large, and straight up and down, yet
+rather handsome.  I've never seen writing just like it--until a few days
+ago--and after turning the matter over and over to no purpose, I
+concluded to come to you.  An envelope addressed to the Misses Hosmer,
+and postmarked Portsmouth, England was blown along the deck to my side,
+lately, and when I absently picked it up it was, apparently, to see my
+sister's writing before me.  I asked your daughter Faith who wrote that
+address, and she said a lodger of her old nurse's, but could not tell the
+name--had forgotten it.  But she described my sister, Clara Leroy, as
+perfectly as I could.  What does it mean?  More than that, she said she
+and Hope both thought her an American.  Is it possible my own Clara may
+be hunting me up in England?  It seems too good to believe!"
+
+"It is strange!" assented the captain, with some excitement.  "And to
+think my girls have forgotten her name--what a pity!  But they must
+remember it.  I'll set their wits at work.  Your sister!  Why, this is
+like a story."
+
+"It is better than that; it means life and hope to me.  Oh, if I am
+deceiving myself!" sighed the lady.  "That is what has made me hesitate
+about speaking to you--I was so afraid it was only my imagination, and I
+could not bear to think of disappointment.  But the more I study the
+writing the surer I am.  Every time I look at that envelope I feel surer
+and safer!  You don't know how it braces me to bear with Duncan's
+strangeness."
+
+"Why 'strangeness'?  I thought we had agreed that his letters have simply
+been lost, and, if he is in India, he will be as glad to see you as you
+him, didn't we?"
+
+"Oh, if I could be certain of that!"
+
+"I shouldn't allow myself to think anything else."
+
+"It is so easy to talk when it is not our own trouble!"
+
+The captain smiled patiently.
+
+"Did you keep that envelope?"
+
+"Yes.  Faith didn't seem to notice."
+
+"That is right.  And I'll think it over.  We can mail a letter at
+Ismailia, but no answer could reach you until we get to Bombay.  I
+suppose we might wire, but we only stop, there--dear me!  I keep
+forgetting we have no address except Debby's, and she would go all to
+pieces over a telegram.  Do you know whether Clara's still single?"
+
+"No, I don't."
+
+"Sort of a wild-goose chase, at the best!  It will have to be a letter, I
+guess."
+
+"How a small difficulty looms into a fate in a case like this!  I must
+cling to this clue, though, till convinced it is a false one; I cannot
+give it up so lightly."
+
+"Of course not.  And I'll think up something--trust me.  Why don't you
+write yourself, Anna?  Make it a note that would mean something to Clara,
+and nothing to others, and I'll send it to Debby, putting in a line
+myself.  That will be best, and then we need not say anything to the
+girls, as you are so anxious to keep it all from them."
+
+She bent her head in meditation.
+
+"I was, at first, because I did not know them; now I do not so much care.
+They are lovely girls, my friend, and so sensible!  There comes Hope
+now--I recognize her laugh.  Well, help me in this, and you will but
+forge another link in the long chain of favors I owe you.  Good-night!"
+
+"None o' that, now!  I don't keep a log-book on little kindnesses--just
+pass 'em along down the line, say I.  And don't you give up the ship, my
+lady!  That's good sailor-like advice!  Good-night to you, and good luck!"
+
+The proposed plan was carried out, and the double enclosure quietly
+mailed at the Arabic town upon Lake Timseh, which looked so fresh and
+green to the wearied eyes of our friends, after the dismal marshes and
+clayey banks of the canal.  But all beauty has its blemishes, and the
+other name for this lake suggests the blemish on Ismailia's shores.  It
+is "Crocodile Pool," and our young people spent their time mainly in
+watching a couple of these monster saurians as they stolidly followed the
+steamer, through the whole day, eagerly snapping up the refuse of the
+caboose in their great ugly-looking jaws.
+
+Without event, or incident, they steamed through Bab-el-Mandib, by the
+lighthouse on Perim, and eastward across the Gulf of Aden.  As for the
+town of that name, on its northern shore, opinions were divided.  Faith
+shuddered at its desolation, Hope thought it bold and striking, while Mr.
+Lawrence said that, "If Dante had seen it he would have been saved a deal
+of trouble, for he could simply have described its rocky wilds for his
+Inferno!"  All blessed the fresher atmosphere and brisker breezes of the
+Indian Ocean, which, if warm, are bearable, and awoke from the lethargy
+of a sultriness which was like that of an overheated, airless room, to
+life and interest, once more.
+
+It was nearing night, after a day of intense calm, with the mercury close
+upon the century mark, and the passengers, eager for air, crowded the
+upper decks.  The captain stood long, with glass in hand, scanning the
+horizon, and made his dinner a short affair.
+
+"Do you know," said Faith, glancing up at the twilight sky, "there's a
+strange feeling in the atmosphere, to-night?  I can't tell what it is,
+but, though it is so sultry that I can scarcely breathe, at times a cold
+shiver runs down my spine, and I believe it is dread, or fear."
+
+"Goodness!" said Hope, turning to look at her, "you're not going to have
+a fever, are you?"
+
+"I hope not," said Chester Carnegie, with a laugh, "for I've felt the
+same."
+
+"Sympathetic suggestion possibly," mused Mr. Lawrence, with an absent
+air, as he leaned over the guard-rail.
+
+"Well, I feel oppressed, too," observed Bess, looking moodily seawards.
+"I wouldn't wonder if something is brooding over us.  A big storm, or--"
+
+"More sharks," suggested Dwight.
+
+"I always supposed they were under us--that is, the sea kind," put in Mr.
+Allyne, appearing out of the dusk, accompanied by his friend.  "Of course
+there are land sharks, but--"
+
+"Not on this ship!" cried Hope promptly.
+
+"Glad to have my fears relieved," flashing a glance at her.
+
+"And, if you'll let me, I was going to say storm, or pestilence,"
+continued Bess in a resigned tone.
+
+"Well, I stopped worrying over that when my sick man kindly refrained
+from developing smallpox, or ship fever," said Carnegie, sinking down
+upon a cushion between Bess and Faith.  "I was anxious for a day or two,
+though, and so was our surgeon."
+
+"And he is quite well again?" asked Mrs. Vanderhoff.
+
+"Convalescing, thank you.  We consider him entirely out of--Ah! that was
+vivid."
+
+He referred to a flash of lightning that seemed to rend the heavens,
+followed by a terrific report that made the girls cower close together.
+
+"There _is_ going to be a storm," exclaimed Mr. Lawrence, coining close
+to the group.  "I would not wonder if it is a fierce one, too.  There has
+been a strangeness in the air for the past half hour, as the girls have
+remarked.  Shall we go inside?"
+
+"Oh, not yet," said Mrs. Vanderhoff, "What a delicious little breeze!"
+
+She turned to catch it full in the face, and gasped as she pointed to the
+horizon.  At the same instant the lookout sounded a warning, echoed by a
+quick command from the bridge, and instantly all was activity on board.
+Mr. Malcolm, as he hurried past the group, called out,
+
+"Run for the saloon!  It's a cyclone," and there was an immediate
+stampede below, while the Hindu boys ran nimbly about the decks, stowing
+away chairs and furling awnings.
+
+Our girls sought shelter with the rest, in the main saloon, and amid its
+brilliant lights and merry company could scarcely believe in that one
+swift, southward glance at the strange fast-coming gloom, under which the
+waves were beginning to seethe, in the distance.  There had been one
+appalling cloud driving upwards in their very faces, with pall-black
+centers, and edges of cold gray that seemed to curl and writhe like giant
+lips, intense with scorn and rage.
+
+But sound remained to them, if sight was removed.  As they heard the
+shriek of the fierce, whirling blasts, the rush and hiss of astonished
+waves whipped into terrible activity, the creaking of beams and timbers
+suddenly strained to their utmost capacity, the flap and rattle of sails
+furled with lightning rapidity, and, above all else, the increasing roar,
+indescribably awful, that was mingled of electricity set free into wide
+spaces and vapor pent into dire cloud-shapes driven by mighty winds,
+whose form no man can imagine, whose might only God can guess, they grew
+silent and gathered in groups, awestricken and still.
+
+At this intense moment, when even the men looked pallid in the arc-light,
+Dwight suddenly pointed down the saloon, and broke into a hysterical
+giggle that seemed almost blasphemous at such a time.  The next to catch
+it up was Hope, and in an instant the gale of laughter within almost
+equalled the gale of wind without.  For, running nimbly down the long
+room, came a tiny figure.  Sometimes it was on two legs and sometimes on
+three, the fourth extremity being occupied with a small hand-glass, which
+it clutched in its left forepaw.
+
+On its head, set disreputably awry, was a fine flower-laden bonnet, a
+little evening affair, belonging to Mrs. Campbell, and around its neck
+trailed a long sash-ribbon of Laura Windemere's.  Out from the French
+roses of the stylish hat peered the solemn old-man face of Andy, the
+monkey, and he was making as fast for his beloved mistress as three feet
+could carry him.
+
+Evidently the little wretch had broken bounds and helped himself from the
+neighboring staterooms.  Faith, red and confused, made a dive for him,
+and caught off the bonnet, but with a shrill cry he clung to the
+handglass, and ran up to the top of a cabinet, where he calmly wound the
+long ribbon around his swart body, and, after scolding the assembled
+company for a moment or so, proceeded to admire himself in the glass,
+with all the vanity of a Broadway belle.
+
+At just this instant the storm burst with awful fury, and the great ship
+careened until it was impossible to keep one's footing.  Faith, watching
+the mischievous monkey, as she stood in the center of the floor, was
+taken unaware and flung with violence to one side, where she might have
+been cruelly hurt against the hard wall, but for the amazing quickness of
+Chester Carnegie, who flung himself between just in time to save her from
+the blow.  In the instant that he held her thus a blinding glare seemed
+to wrap them in white fire, and with it a crashing peal of thunder
+stunned them into deafness, then all was utter darkness.
+
+For a second it seemed to each that earth and sea stood still, and
+neither quite knew if life were still left to them, but the next instant
+a cry rent the air--a cry frightful enough on land, doubly horrible on
+the wide ocean--the cry of "_Fire!_"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+DANGER.
+
+"Silence!" came in deep tones from the doorway, and before the first
+paralysis of the dread alarm had time to become a panic, the captain's
+irresistible voice caught their attention.  He held a lantern aloft
+and, after just one shriek of terror, the women, mostly prostrate on
+the floor, turned to listen, while the men braced themselves to conquer
+their weakness.
+
+"Silence!" said the captain, steadying himself between the lintels of
+the door, while the great steamer plunged, rolled, and pitched, like a
+thing gone mad.  "The ship has been struck by lightning, and the lights
+put out.  We are in the midst of a cloud charged with electricity, and
+must stand the darkness for a little.  The fire was discovered at once,
+and will soon be subdued.  If we can stand a few seconds of this we
+will be safe.  Keep where you are, and hug the floor, It's the safest
+place, now."
+
+Above the roar of the storm his voice sounded calm and steady, the only
+familiar thing in this swift upheaval.  Poor little Andy, who had been
+clinging by tail and claws to his perch, not even dropping the
+handglass, seemed to think help had come with the man he had grown very
+fond of by this, so he quickly scrambled down and fled to the big
+pocket of Captain Hosmer's reefer, a movement almost unnoted by the man
+in his preoccupation.  For, practised in self-control as he was, our
+brave captain knew this was a crucial instant and it needed all his
+reserve strength to meet it.
+
+They were wrapped in dangers, and all the elements, except earth, were
+warring against them.  The cyclone on the Indian Ocean is a terrible
+destroyer, and the best-built vessel stands little chance of escape
+when meeting its fury.
+
+The group within the radius of his lantern's light were obedient,
+though, and he had a swift vision of Carnegie gently steadying Faith
+into a seat, and another less welcome one of Allyne bracing Hope, who
+was on her knees against the wall.
+
+It was but instantaneous, like every change of that eventful night.
+The next, he had handed the lantern to Mr. Malcolm with a word of
+suggestion, and was off to other duties.  Crash after crash showed how
+the good ship was yielding to the tempest's fury; and the wild tramp of
+excited feet outside, and above, made the huddled women shudder in face
+of the desperate fear that a fire upon the sea always awakens.  But it
+had to be borne in inaction, for to move about in this furious pitching
+and swaying was utterly impossible to the unpractised.
+
+Only low moans and sobs broke the silence which succeeded to this
+tempestuous outburst, till suddenly a shrieking figure came tumbling
+into the room and, with hair unbound and garments disarranged, fairly
+rolled into their midst.
+
+"Oh, save me!  Save me!" she shrieked wildly.  "We're all going to the
+bottom!  We're all burning up!  Save me!"
+
+It was Mrs. Campbell, the dignified, the indifferent.  She had retired
+with a headache, only to be awakened by this crashing, and the cry of
+fire, and she seemed utterly beside herself with terror.  A beautiful
+woman by day, when carefully gowned and controlled, she was a veritable
+hag just now!  It seemed as if terror and dismay let loose her
+unbeautiful soul to dominate her well-kept body.  She looked older, by
+a score of years, and was as unlike her usual elegant self as possible.
+
+Faith shrank a little.
+
+"Oh!" she murmured, "Speak to her, Mr. Carnegie--help her--make her
+keep still.  If we must die, let us go decently, at least."
+
+Almost involuntarily he grasped her hand in appreciation.
+
+"Yes," he returned, "but I could do no good with her.  She does not
+like me.  I do not believe we will be lost.  I trust in your father,
+and in the Father of us all.  Besides, the worst is over.  It is still
+to what it was a moment since."
+
+"But the fire?" she whispered, with a shiver.
+
+"That must be conquered!"  He spoke with decision.  "So far it is only
+among some loose shavings in the carpenter's quarters, and they will
+soon extinguish it.  Do not worry about that."
+
+Meanwhile, Mr. Lawrence had seized the shrieking woman in time to save
+her from a fall, and quickly pressed her back into a nest of pillows on
+a wide divan which, being screwed to position, was a safe resting-place.
+
+"Be silent, madam!" he said authoritatively.  "Hysterics will only
+hinder matters.  The ship is in safe hands, and we can help most by
+keeping still right here, and leaving the officers free to work for us
+outside."  Then, raising his voice, he began in deep tones that
+glorious psalm of faith and trust, which has comforted so many in like
+distress.
+
+"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
+Therefore will we not fear though the earth be removed, and though the
+mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters
+thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the
+swelling thereof.  There is a river, the streams whereof shall make
+glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most
+High.  God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall
+help her and that right early."
+
+As the strong, beautiful words fell from the heights of a soul lifted
+above fear by faith, the cries ceased, and a hush fell upon all.  Then
+Carnegie's young voice joined in and Faith's trembled after, until
+nearly all were repeating, in slow, reverent voices the words of David.
+Even Mrs. Campbell, though cowering and shivering, ceased from louder
+lamentations.
+
+As Hope's voice caught up the Word, Allyne turned and looked into her
+white young face, suffering and terrified, yet self-controlled, then
+secretly clutching a fold of her gown, as she sat on the floor beside
+him in such a position that he could wedge her into a safe corner, he
+too joined in the solemn recitation, thinking inside his perturbed soul,
+
+"If we go down into the deep I will cling to her pure skirts; then if I
+cannot save her life, possibly she can save my soul!"
+
+Evidently, there was need of regenerating grace here; but even his
+puerile thought may prove it had already begun.  A longing for purity
+and salvation, however dully expressed, is a longing for Christ, and
+the hitherto self-satisfied existence of this favored young man was
+being crossed by contrary streams and currents that had changed its
+contented flow, and stirred up deeper soil than had ever, hitherto,
+been reached.
+
+Out of unpromising material--even the dust of the earth--God knew how
+to create man "but little lower than the angels."  Out of a nature
+seemingly given over to selfishness and sensuality he sometimes forges
+lofty souls, which can do and dare for righteousness' sake.
+
+One can scarcely give the details of such an hour as followed that
+fierce storm-burst.  It was soon discovered that the lightning had
+struck in more than one part of the ship, killing one or two animals,
+and setting fires in three places.  Everything was intensely dry after
+the scorching suns of the past week, and the mischief might be great.
+But Captain Hosmer governed his crew more through their respect for him
+as a man than their fear of him as an officer, and not one, in all this
+fright and turmoil, thought of disobeying his voice.  Calm and steady
+himself, he steadied others; having always put responsibility, without
+interference, upon his inferior officers, they now assumed such
+responsibility with an intelligent sense of its meaning, and each stood
+to his place as firmly as the captain, himself.
+
+The fire brigade was promptly at work, by detachments, in all three
+places, with bucket and hose; the engineers, though lightnings played
+fiercely about their ironwork and electrical apparatus, stood manfully
+by, knowing they were looking death in the face, but exemplifying
+Paul's command, "Quit ye like men; be strong."
+
+Even the passengers needed only the restraint of voice and gesture.  No
+threats, nor bars, except for a moment among the steerage people, had
+been necessary.  The discipline was perfect.
+
+After a short space, that could not be measured by the clock so intense
+and strained had it been, there was a lessening of the enveloping
+flashes, instantaneous thunder, and crashing timbers, and, though the
+wind was blowing fiercely and the vessel lurching and shivering beneath
+their feet, they could feel an appreciable lifting of the tension.  The
+worst was over.
+
+But the exciting sounds of the fire fighters did not cease, and the
+whisper ran around that, though one of the outbursts had been subdued,
+the others were in a lower part of the vessel, one especially being
+most difficult to get at, and that the constant sound of chopping, now
+audible since the fiercer snapping of masts and spars had ceased, was
+caused by cutting away certain portions of the woodwork necessary
+before it could be reached by the firemen.  If it should take long to
+reach it, what would be the result?
+
+Mr. Carnegie, at this, started up, and seemed about to go outside, when
+Faith's soft voice arrested him.
+
+"Father wished us all to stay here," she said reproachfully.
+
+He turned back, with a movement full of agonized uncertainty.
+
+"I know," he murmured, "but--"
+
+He stood irresolute, with his perplexed face turning from the outer
+door to her own up-looking eyes.
+
+"And if he needs you he certainly will let you know," she added, with
+some asperity.
+
+He smiled, and reseated himself beside her.
+
+"You are right, as usual, Miss Faith.  He certainly knows--"
+
+"Knows what?" she asked at length, as his sentence remained unfinished.
+
+"Knows that I am here and ready," he returned, with a smile, but she
+noticed that his eyes often sought the door, and his manner was that of
+one alert for action.
+
+The women, who had children asleep in the staterooms, had run to them
+with the first alarm, and these, with the ayahs and babies, now began
+creeping back into the saloon, longing for fellowship in this trying
+hour; while, the first dire shock over, the men of cool thoughtfulness,
+like the Traveler, Mr. Lawrence, Carnegie, and a few others, began
+making all of them as comfortable as possible, forming them into
+compact groups, guarded from the danger of breaking furniture,
+woodwork, and glass, by their own watchfulness, as they made a cordon
+around them.  Many were unable to lift their heads from illness, and
+others went from hysterics into fainting fits.
+
+These required most of the attention of Martha Jordan and her women,
+but Dwight, soon rallying from his first fright, and always both nimble
+and steady of foot, proved of real assistance, fetching and carrying
+equal to Tegeloo, who went through his duties with the calm stoicism of
+the Oriental in the face of death.  After a little, Faith and Hope also
+joined in the "Relief Corps," as he named it, while Bess fought her own
+sickness bravely that she might care for her mother, whose heart action
+was imperfect.  To their great delight the electric lights suddenly
+blazed out again, greatly relieving the distress of the situation, for
+its horrors had been doubled by darkness.  At the same instant the
+captain appeared among them and amid a clamor of questions, requests,
+and suggestions, held up a hand for silence, and called loudly,
+
+"Listen, please!  You have all behaved so well in this trial that I
+want to trust you in full, and ask your further help and forbearance.
+The storm is not over, and the fire is not out, but I believe we shall
+weather both in safety.  In case we cannot extinguish the fires, the
+boats are ready to be lowered at a minute's notice, and all can get
+safely off.  You shall know in time.  Meanwhile, get together whatever
+you most want to save, and I will send you life-preservers to put on.
+Let the men go for the valuables, when possible, and the women all stay
+here.  It is the safest place for them.  There's no occasion for a
+panic, and I don't expect any.  If our staunch old ship can stand the
+strain of these last few minutes so well she isn't going back on us
+now, I'll swear!"
+
+His voice broke a trifle, and he turned to his daughters, who were now
+close together, their arms about each other.
+
+"What shall I send from the cabin to you, girlies?" he whispered.
+"Tegeloo shall bring you your treasures here."
+
+"There's poor Texas, if he isn't killed already," said Hope.
+
+"And Andy," added Faith, when suddenly out popped the monkey's head
+from the reefer pocket, and, looking-glass still in hand, he scrambled
+down into Faith's lap.
+
+"Why--why!" cried the astonished captain, "Was it Andy?  I thought
+something wriggled once or twice, but concluded 'twas only imagination.
+Well, I declare!  Whose glass is that?"
+
+"I don't know, papa.  He had on Mrs. Campbell's dress hat, and
+somebody's sash, but--"
+
+A sudden distraction came in the shape of Janet Windemere, who burst
+into their midst all excitement, followed by Mrs. Windemere, pallid and
+weeping silently, as she wrung her hands in despair.
+
+"Captain--Captain Hosmer!" cried the former in a rasping voice.  "We
+have been robbed!  We've been getting our things together, and our
+money's gone!"
+
+"Robbed?" muttered the captain dazedly, then with indignation he broke
+out, "I don't believe it!  My men are all honest, and have been working
+like Trojans, to the last man-Jack of them.  There's some mistake--you
+must have mislaid it."
+
+"No, we always kept it in mother's dressing-case, but Laura carelessly
+left it open and the whole glass is gone.  It must have been somebody
+that knew, for we never told a soul--"
+
+"Knew what?" asked the man in a resigned tone.  "What has your
+looking-glass and your mother's dressing-case got to do with your
+money, anyhow?  I thought you said that was stolen."
+
+"Of course.  You see, for safety we put our money and letter of credit
+inside the back of the hand-mirror, and--"
+
+He turned and flashed a look from Andy, serenely admiring himself, to
+his daughter.
+
+"Oh, oh!" she cried distressfully, "is this it?"
+
+She tried to snatch the thing from Andy's hand, but he held on with a
+determined clutch and howled, even threatening her with his teeth.  It
+was the prettiest toy he had seen for many a day!
+
+"Yes, that's it.  You wretched little beast!  See!  He's spoiled
+Laura's ribbon too."
+
+"See here, sir!" said the captain indignantly, as he boxed the
+creature's ears.  "You'll have to learn better manners, if you stay
+aboard this craft.  Thieves aren't allowed."
+
+Poor Andy, perforce, yielded to higher authority, and crawled under the
+soft arm of his mistress, crying like a baby, while the captain handed
+the glass to Mrs. Windemere, saying brusquely,
+
+"Better find a new place for your money now, and secure it about your
+person somewhere--you may need it."
+
+"Oh, Captain, are we going to the bottom?" she moaned.
+
+"If I thought we were would I tell you to secure your money?" he
+answered crisply.  Then, turning to his daughters, "I'll send you your
+ulsters and life-preservers--and Texas; but let the trinkets go.  They
+only weight one down, and they look pretty small to-night!  You'll take
+to the boats if the rest do, and then I'll give you my papers."
+
+"Why give them to us, papa?" asked Hope, innocently.
+
+He looked at her with a strange expression, but did not answer.
+Instead, he turned to an officer who had entered and, after one glance,
+said quickly,
+
+"Yes, I'm coming.  Don't speak!" and hurried after him, but as he
+passed Carnegie a look passed between them, and the young officer at
+once arose and followed him outside.
+
+Hope turned to her sister, white to the lips.
+
+"What did he mean, Faith?  Why are we to take those papers?"
+
+"I don't understand--exactly."
+
+"But you think--"
+
+"I think he means to stay by his ship."
+
+Faith spoke low and tremulously.
+
+"To the death?" whispered Hope in awe-stricken accents.
+
+"Yes."
+
+They gazed into each other's eyes, and drew closer.  Hope clutched
+Faith's hand, and the complaining monkey gave a last babyish little
+cry, and snuggled down in the warmth of their nestling forms, his
+sorrows quickly forgotten in slumber.  He was safe so long as his
+mistress held him.  Suddenly a thought came to Faith.  She looked down
+at the mite, then upwards, and her eyes were like radiant stars in her
+pale young face.
+
+"See!" she said, "he feels safe with me, and does not mind the storm;
+father feels safe with his ship; you and I with our father, and all of
+us with God.  It is a chain of safety.  Let's give up worrying and stay
+by papa, trusting in Jesus.  If it is best to save us, He will do so;
+if not, we will go to sleep just this way--together, and in His arms!"
+
+"Yes," assented Hope softly, pressing lovingly to the side of her twin.
+"Yes, all together, and in His arms!"
+
+So mischievous Andy redeemed his naughtiness by teaching a timely
+lesson of peaceful trust.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+LADY MOREHAM SPEAKS.
+
+Tegeloo brought Texas, with the ulsters, and told how he had found the
+bird cowering in its battered cage, which had been tossed headlong into
+the middle of the cabin, where it, fortunately, lodged between the
+bedsteads, being wedged in so closely as to escape further harm.  The
+poor parrot looked sick enough, and was so subdued he came at once to
+Hope's wrist, with none of his usual feints and caprices, nestling up
+to her in a satisfied manner, as he plaintively muttered, "Poor Texas!
+Poor little Texas!" in response to her caresses.
+
+Then, after a little, came a new phrase his mistress had long been
+trying to teach him, but which, with the obstinacy of his kind, he
+would never repeat.  It came very softly now, as he tilted about on her
+white wrist, and cocked his head around with a sidelong, upward glance,
+"_Dear_ Hope!"
+
+"Oh, hear!" she cried delighted.  "Isn't that sweet of him?  Dear
+Texas!  Hope's pretty Texas!  Was he nearly frightened to death in the
+storm?"
+
+She forgot terror and surrounding discomforts for one minute, the next
+her heart stood still, as two sailors entered with a quantity of
+life-preservers, and amid rising clamor and confusion, the passengers
+began their preparations for departure by the boats.  The storm's fury
+seemed to have spent itself, and the fiercer noises outside were no
+longer audible, only that steady chopping--chopping, that no one really
+understood.  Perhaps this only intensified the heart-broken sobbings of
+the women and children, and the occasional groanings of strong men, who
+could no longer control their sense of helpless misery.  Hope, sprang
+to her feet, her nerves giving way at last.  "Oh, this is awful!" she
+muttered, turning her head wildly to left and right, like a creature
+suddenly caged.  "I begin to feel the fire, Faith--don't you?  It is
+stifling me!"
+
+She was on the point of breaking into a hysterical shriek when a hand
+was laid upon her arm, and Lady Moreham said quickly,
+
+"No, my child!  It is only the closeness after a storm; not the fire.
+That is far away, and still smothered between walls in the hold.  It
+may never break out, if they can get at it before it burns through to
+the air.  They are working manfully, and will do everything to save us,
+and your brave father is at their head."
+
+"Oh, if I could see papa!  If I could be sure he is safe!  He never
+thinks of himself where there is danger."
+
+She was trembling all over, and Faith, catching her excitement, pressed
+closer, wide-eyed and shivering.  Lady Moreham saw that, though they
+had been brave as mature women, so far, they were breaking down under
+the strain, unsupported by any older and stronger relative.  The
+atmosphere was enervating here, and emotion is contagious.  Glancing
+quickly around, she formed her resolution, and throwing an arm around
+each, said gently,
+
+"Come!  I have often heard you speak of the library.  We can go there
+and be more quiet, and it will give us a better lookout on the forward
+deck.  Won't you invite me to go there with you?"
+
+"But papa--if he should look for us here?"
+
+"I will send him a message.  Ah, here's Mr. Allyne--have you come to
+tell us something?" for there was a desperate look in the young man's'
+face that startled her.
+
+"No, only--good-by!  They need more help below, and I am going down.
+You have these young ladies in charge, Madam?"
+
+"Yes.  And tell their father he will find the three of us in his own
+cabin when he needs us."  Her eyes, sharp and imperative, questioned
+him--"Is there great danger?"  But she did not speak.
+
+He bowed gravely, and said, as if in response to her request.  "I will
+tell him."  Then, as Hope followed the lady, he gently intercepted her.
+"Please shake hands once more," he said, and with out a word she laid
+her icy palm to his.
+
+He bowed over it respectfully.
+
+"God bless you for the good, pure girl you are!  Good-by."
+
+He hurried out and Hope, dazed and dumb, followed the others.  They
+found the little room, where they had passed so many homelike hours,
+sadly demoralized.  One of the great windows was shivered to splinters,
+and through it projected a heavy spar, now safely wedged from further
+harm, and as they gazed out through the other great panes, it was upon
+a scene of intense desolation.  The deck was quite empty, all the crew
+being busy below, but it was one mass of broken timbers, fallen sails,
+and all the debris of a half-wrecked vessel.  But as the fresh air met
+their faces, it braced them to new courage, and each looked curiously
+about.
+
+Above, the sky was already clearing and the ragged-edged clouds were
+rolling northwards, leaving clear spaces which rapidly enlarged.  The
+sea, black and turbulent, still rolled heavily, but with diminishing
+motion, and its spray made everything damp about them.  Turning on the
+lights, Lady Moreham said briskly, "We must have a blanket, or
+something, to shut out the storm.  Where will I find one?"
+
+"Right in our room--I'll get it," said Faith, feeling safer and better
+already in the home-like place, and soon the open window was well
+covered, the chairs wiped out and drawn close together, and Hope sank
+into one, Texas still clutching her wrist, with a long sigh of
+satisfaction.
+
+"It _seems_ safer here, anyhow!" she murmured.  "If papa could only be
+with us!"
+
+The lady smiled.
+
+"And I was just thinking how glad I was that he is not here, but that I
+could be so certain he was just where he ought to be to insure the
+safety of us all.  How proud you must be of him, tonight!  He is a
+true, brave man, and I am proud to call him my friend.  Did you know we
+were schoolmates together?"
+
+Hope looked up quickly, interested in spite of herself.
+
+"That is it, then?  I felt sure there was something, but he always
+avoided our questions.  Was it when you were a young lady."
+
+"No, a little girl.  We lived in the same neighborhood."
+
+"You did?  Why--but papa lived in America, near Boston."
+
+"So did I."
+
+"Then you _are_ American!" cried the girl, triumphantly.
+
+The lady laughed a little.
+
+"Have you guessed it?  Yes, I was born on a small hill farm in
+Massachusetts, and when a wee child used to trudge, barefooted, across
+our pasture-lot to a little unpainted schoolhouse, on the cross-roads."
+
+"_You_, Lady Moreham?" breathed Faith in amazement.
+
+"Ah, yes, it was I," sighed the lady.  "So memory tells me, at least,
+but I can scarcely believe that the happy, care-free little creature,
+who chased butterflies, and gathered the trailing arbutus in Spring,
+and waded through the gorgeous October leaves in Fall, was my weary
+self."
+
+"And you really liked being--being--"
+
+My lady laughed out at Hope's embarrassment in framing her question.
+
+"Oh!  Didn't I like it?  I had two sisters and a brother.  One sister
+was a baby, and when the rest of us had done our 'stints' for the day,
+we used to take her out with us in her little four-wheeled wagon father
+had made her, and play by the hour--oh, so happily!  I used to play at
+being queen, I remember, and make crowns out of burdock burs, stuck
+together, setting them on very softly over my curls in the coronation
+scene, because they pricked me so.  But in spite of the hurt I would
+persist in wearing them.  I sometimes wonder, is all that we do in
+childhood but a foreshadowing of what is to follow?  My crowns have
+always cut me cruelly, but pride has kept me wearing them."
+
+She drew herself up quickly, as if she had been thinking aloud, and
+added,
+
+"Your grandfather's farm adjoined ours, and your father and I were
+playmates, and great friends.  We were seldom separated till later,
+when I was a strong, rosy-cheeked girl of sixteen and he a strapping
+young lad, with a hankering for the sea.  Well, we went our ways--he to
+sail as cabin-boy in a merchantman, I to journey up to Boston and seek
+service with some nice family."
+
+"Service!" murmured Hope, involuntarily.
+
+"It sounds queer, doesn't it?  Yes, that was what I expected to do, and
+I was proud to be able to help at home, for the little farm was not
+productive, and the 'lien' on it was heavy.  But I did not 'work out,'
+after all--in that way--my sister, who was now married and living in
+Lynn, found a place for me in the factory there.  Like Hannah, I often
+was seen sitting at the window binding shoes."
+
+"Oh!  In Lynn.  No wonder you were so interested when we talked about
+it."
+
+"You noticed, did you, Brighteyes?  Well, there I worked for two years,
+and there I--married."
+
+She stopped as if done with the subject, and the girls, half-forgetful
+of their peril, looked at her in blank disappointment.  It is a long
+step from a dingy shoe-factory in a New England town to a lordly
+country-seat in Old England, and both had fondly hoped to have it
+bridged while this communicative mood was on.  But the lips had closed
+sternly, and Lady Moreham, seemingly quite forgetful of her young
+auditors, was gazing far away.  Faith ventured, at length, to jog her
+consciousness.
+
+"You asked me, once, a good deal about Brookline--were you there too?"
+
+The lady nodded, then turned and looked at her with a quizzical glance.
+
+"Ah, child, never be so curious to hear a sad story!  Every one has
+griefs enough to bear without appropriating other people's.  Yes, we
+did live in Brookline for several happy years--my husband and I.  Our
+home was the porter's lodge of one of those fine places you used to
+admire.  We were both young, hopeful, and strong.  He was well
+educated, but could not endure clerkly confinement, and thought himself
+fortunate to be so well housed and have such healthy work.  He was born
+in England, and we used to laugh together because, in some vague way,
+which we scarcely cared to fully understand, my husband was distantly
+related to the nobility.  That was the phrase--'related to the
+nobility'--how we used to make fun of it, and pretend to trace out the
+connection!  Once, at Christmas, I presented him with a family tree,
+and a peerage-book.  The latter was something I had written up myself,
+and _such_ nonsense, but it made us fun for many weeks.  We could laugh
+at anything in those days.  Duncan really had no more idea of
+inheriting a title and estate at that time than I, a farm-bred girl,
+had myself.  He was a thorough American, who loved his country, and
+because his parents had died and left him alone in the world, he was
+all the more helpful and self-reliant.  How his eyes used to twinkle
+when we sat on our little porch, at evening, as he would say with a
+flourish, 'Yes, this is all well enough, Anna, but wait till you see
+our ancestral halls across the sea!' and then his laugh would ring out
+like the boy he was.  But it is the unexpected that always happens.  If
+we had counted on any such thing--"
+
+"And after all it came true?" broke in Hope eagerly.
+
+"Yes, it came true."  Lady Moreham's voice sank to a sorrowful strain.
+"I shall never forget the day the news came!  We had eaten our little
+supper--just the two of us, for we had no children,--and Duncan, after
+his custom, unfolded his newspaper to read, while I took the dishes
+from the table and washed them at the little white sink near by.  I
+used to hear if there was any news worth the telling, and when he broke
+out excitedly, 'Why, Anna, listen to this!' I only turned silently,
+expecting to hear of some wonderful new invention, for that was a few
+years ago when the marvels of electricity were developing so rapidly,
+and Duncan was deeply interested in them.  Instead, he read an
+advertisement, inserted by a London law firm, where his own name
+appeared with the usual promise that he would hear of something to his
+advantage, if he would write to their address.
+
+"I went over to him and sat on the arm of his chair, as we discussed
+it, full of wonder and conjectures, and more in earnest over the fun of
+it than any possible advantage it might bring--for God knows, we were
+happy enough!  We only wanted to be let alone."
+
+She spoke with extreme bitterness, and the girls looked at her,
+astonished.  It was difficult to believe any one could prefer plain
+comfort in a porter's lodge to a title and estates.
+
+"But you wrote?" questioned Faith, eager to hear the whole.
+
+"Of course.  We were as foolish as all the rest of the world!  We
+thought happiness and gold and honor the three Graces, instead of
+Faith, Hope, and Charity," smiling into the girls' excited faces.
+
+"And isn't happiness?"--began Hope, but she shook her head.
+
+"Not worldly happiness--no.  It is too brief, too treacherous.  If one
+learns to depend upon that, one is doomed to perpetual disappointment.
+I have long understood that contentment is better than what we call
+happiness--much better.  Yes, we wrote, laughing together over the
+possibility that our ancestral home might be seeking us, but believing
+nothing of the kind.  How we did joke over our united efforts at
+composing it!  He was the scholar, but I suggested all sorts of
+long-stilted sentences to him, which he modified to suit himself.  He
+used to think me bright in those days.  When it was signed, addressed,
+and sealed, we looked into each other's eyes.
+
+"'I wonder if we'll ever regret this?' said Duncan, serious for the
+first time.  He was always more grave than I, and used often to curb my
+high spirits--who would think it now?
+
+"'Fiddle-faddle!  Regret a pot of money, or a Queen's commission as
+Field-marshal?' I asked flippantly.
+
+"'Yet the pot of money might not make us really better off, and the
+Queen's commission might take me away from you,' he said, and stooped
+to kiss me.
+
+"I don't know what came over me, then.  A sudden fear seemed to
+contract my heart.  I caught him about the neck, declaring we could not
+be happier than we were.
+
+"'Throw the letter into the fire, Duncan!' I cried.  'It may separate
+us, and I'd rather have you than all the world besides!'  He held me
+close a minute, then laughed a little.
+
+"What geese we are!  How could anything separate us, if we don't let
+it?  You know very well any advantage would cease to be one the minute
+it came between us.  We will send the letter, but we will use our own
+judgment about whatever it brings us.'
+
+"So it was sent, and--what is that?  Tegeloo, what is it? are we to
+take to the boats, after all?  Why are they shouting so?"
+
+She rose, and the girls after her.  Tegeloo, seemingly deprived of
+speech, was motioning wildly at the door leading to the saloon.  They
+dashed past him into the roomful of people cheering, shouting, crying,
+praying, and kissing, in a perfect frenzy of relief.
+
+Some one, with a face far blacker than the Hindu boy's, caught each
+girl by the hand.
+
+"Girlies," cried a well-known voice.  "We are safe--the fire is out!"
+Then turning quickly, "Friends, let's sing 'Old Hundred,'--hearty now!"
+
+The words were scarcely out of his mouth, when, as with one impulse,
+all broke into the grand old measure.  Nobody pitched the tune, nor
+started it--it started itself!  Mrs. Campbell sang it on her knees,
+with streaming eyes and hair, the captain and his daughters sang it
+locked in each other's arms, and the Traveler, seeing Lady Moreham left
+momently alone, clasped her hand in brotherly fashion, and joined his
+fine bass to her uncultivated treble, never thinking of discords.  So
+may the Redeemed some day sing the Doxology in Heavenly courts, safe
+not only from death, but better still, safe from the life we know of
+here!
+
+When the "Amen," had died into silence the captain said, happily,
+
+"Now, good people, get yourselves to bed as quick as you can.  The
+storm is over, the fire is out, and though the poor old girl is so
+battered up she's lost her beauty, her heart's still in the right
+place--her engines are working all right, in spite of the cyclone!  Now
+hustle, every one of you--breakfast won't be served till ten
+o'clock--and Heaven bless and keep us all!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+LAST DAYS TOGETHER.
+
+There was something indescribably disheartening in the looks of the
+dismasted "International" as the twins came forth, refreshed by several
+hours of welcome slumber, after the long agony of the past night.  The
+carpenters were already hard at work cutting away the sad remnants of
+the graceful, tapering mizzen-mast, which had been one of the beauties
+of the comely steamer, and a considerable space had been cleared for
+the passengers over which awnings were stretched; but the approach to
+it was somewhat choked and difficult.
+
+Faith was first to reach the deck, and as she approached, young Allyne
+stepped forward from behind a rubbish heap, and said eagerly,
+
+"I'm glad to see you out, at last!  It's a beautiful morning after the
+storm.  Let me pilot you across these chips to that nice chair."
+
+"Thank you," was Faith's rather stiff response.  But he would not give
+her time to be cool and unfriendly.
+
+"Would you ever believe it could have been so dreadful last night?" he
+rattled on.  "But you were very brave, Miss Hosmer!"
+
+"Was I?" asked Faith, almost overpowered by his friendliness.
+
+"Yes, you and your sister both were, for the matter of that--and by the
+way, how is Texas this morning?"
+
+Faith's eyes began to dance.  She mistrusted he had taken her for her
+sister again and, following his glance, became sure of it; for Hope was
+now approaching, along with Dwight, and the instant Tom Allyne's eyes
+fell upon her he felt intuitively that she was the girl he had been
+really waiting for, and his quick, annoyed glance proved the fact to
+Faith.  She did not feel so chagrined over it as she might, had she
+greatly cared for his liking, and answered briskly,
+
+"You mean Andy, don't you?  Texas is the parrot, and belongs to Hope.
+There she comes now--shall we go to her?"
+
+Nothing loth, Mr. Allyne followed her lead, and, as he stood talking
+with the two, made a closer survey than ever before, resolving that he
+would not make this mistake again.  Had he ever made it before?  The
+question, suddenly occurring to his inner consciousness, rather
+startled him.  He would not mind pouring his thoughts out to Hope, who
+was so frank and jolly, but he felt rather afraid of this other girl,
+whom he had once offended.  Yet, the longer he compared the two, as he
+stood opposite in merry conversation, addressing first one, then the
+other, the more certain he felt that Hope was not the girl in whom he
+had confided a few evenings since.  And if not, what a donkey he had
+made of himself!
+
+He tried to remember just what had passed, and grew silent and
+uncomfortable as he made the effort.  How was it Dwight never mixed the
+two?  He began to feel that keen, observing eyes were pretty good
+things to have.  He should certainly cultivate his own, in future!  As
+this undercurrent of musings reached definite conclusion, he broke out,
+boyishly,
+
+"I'll know you apart after this, or know the reason why!"
+
+"And how?" asked Dwight.
+
+"Well, how do you, my boy?" was the quick counter-question.
+
+Thus caught, the boy flushed and grinned broadly.
+
+"Oh, I don't have to tell," he objected, with a shake of the head.
+
+They all naturally began to insist, however, and he at length yielded,
+with the outburst, "Well, if it makes anybody mad, I can't help it."
+
+"Of course not!" laughed Allyne.  "Personal remarks are bound to make
+somebody mad, but that's just what makes them spicy.  Proceed, young
+man, proceed!"
+
+"Well then," slowly, "just watch the two for a minute, and make them
+laugh--"  Of course, at this, they with the others standing near, did
+break into laughter--"there!  Can't you see?  Hope shows all her teeth,
+and a big dimple in the corner of her mouth; Faith smiles just enough
+to show a little of hers, and there isn't any dimple.  So, when I'm not
+sure, I just say something funny, and if the mouth is big and dimpled,
+I know it's Hope without any mistake.  Now, I knew you'd be mad, but
+what on earth ails Faith?  _She_ looks madder than you do?"
+
+It was a fact.  Hope had drawn herself up, not half pleased to have the
+size of her mouth--which was a sensitive feature--so questioned; but
+Faith had turned entirely away with sudden coolness, miffed because she
+did not look jolly, and display a dimple like the special one, the
+possession of which she had always envied her sister.  It was an
+exhibition of female weakness entirely unexpected by Tom Allyne, and
+for some reason pleased him wonderfully.  He turned from one to the
+other, full of hypocritical glee, though the face he then bent upon
+Dwight was severe in the extreme.
+
+"See here, sir!  Don't you know better than to say such things?  Why,
+you as much as insinuate that one or the other of these young ladies
+has a blemish!  Now that--"
+
+"See here!" broke out poor Dwight, not entirely sure who was most
+abusing him, "who set me up to saying what I did, anyhow?  I think it's
+downright mean for you all to turn on a fellow so!  You all promised
+not to be mad, and now see you!"
+
+"You are right," said Faith, turning quickly.  "I am ashamed of myself
+for minding such a trifle!  But I do sometimes get tired of being
+reminded that Hope is so much nicer and jollier than I."
+
+"And I that Faith is so much more refined and ladylike!" added the
+other.  Then both broke into laughter, Hope's white teeth and deep
+dimple showing plainly, and Faith's half-sad sweetness veiling her
+merriment to a tamer expression.
+
+"It would spoil everything if you were either of you one whit
+different," cried Allyne, with fervor.  "And, Dwight, I want to thank
+you for letting me into your little secret.  I can never be deceived
+again."
+
+"Are you certain of that?" asked Mr. Carnegie, as he joined the group.
+"I wish I could be so sure!  But come, let's drop personalities.  I've
+been sent to ask you to join a reading-club--"
+
+"A reading-club?" shouted everybody.
+
+"Yes.  It is Mrs. Poinsett's hour to read to Lady Moreham, and she
+kindly suggested our joining them.  Would you like to?"
+
+"Lady Moreham?  How wonderful!" murmured Allyne, and the sisters
+exchanged meaning glances.
+
+But Dwight looked dubious.
+
+"I'd rather hear one of Quint's yarns," he remarked, frankly.
+
+Quint was a good-natured sailor, with a broad saber cut on one cheek
+that would have ruined his looks for some, but made him only the more
+interesting to Dwight.  Besides, he had a capacity for reeling off
+yarns, that was irresistible, and even Hope's charms paled before his
+rarer attractions.
+
+The boy now went below to find the man, and the girls started with
+Carnegie for the main saloon.  After a few steps the latter looked back
+over his shoulder, and saw Allyne gazing somewhat moodily after them.
+
+"Aren't you coming?" he asked pleasantly, turning back.
+
+"Am I wanted?" was returned quickly.
+
+"Of course, if you like to go," laughed the young officer, and Allyne
+strode forward.
+
+Their loitering had widened the space between them and the girls, and
+suddenly Tom Allyne began, in a low voice,
+
+"Carnegie, I haven't had an opportunity before, so now I make haste to
+say that I thank you for showing me that a fellow need not be of the
+namby-pamby kind because he lets the stuff alone.  I used to think that
+boys with any spirit must drink and carouse, occasionally, but I've
+learned better now.  I watched you last night."
+
+The other turned with a rapid movement.
+
+"Watched me?"
+
+"Yes, you were cool and brave.  When the captain needed volunteers you
+worked like a Trojan, and never flinched.  And I believe you knew the
+special danger too, as well as----"
+
+"Sh-h!"  Carnegie glanced about with an alarmed air.  "Did you know
+too?"
+
+"I began to suspect soon after we went to work, and a low word of the
+captain to his mate, which I, too, caught, convinced me.  You see, we
+were packed close in there!  It wasn't any too safe."
+
+Chester Carnegie's eyes were upon him.
+
+"And you praise me for bravery when you were there and knew it all?" he
+said.  "I begin to think somebody else is no coward, either, Allyne!"
+
+He held out his hand, and they clasped silently.  Then the latter said,
+in a deprecating tone,
+
+"Personal fear is not my weakness.  I wonder, Carnegie, if these
+passengers will ever know how close that fire came to your consignment
+of ammunition, last night."
+
+"No, never!  How did you suspect my share in the matter?"
+
+"You were the first to offer your services.  You persisted in working
+at a spot from which the rest of us had been warned, and the captain
+allowed it.  I knew there must be method in your madness."
+
+"You were right; it was a personal duty, and I could not have done
+otherwise.  But you had no such motive, Allyne, and yet, understanding
+the danger, as you evidently did, you stood to your work as close to me
+as you could get.  I like a brave man!"
+
+"Well, if it has wiped out old scores, Carnegie--"
+
+"It has.  But come--they are beckoning.  I'll tell you something,
+however.  After it was over, last night, and the captain and I were
+congratulating ourselves, he remarked, with a jerk of his thumb toward
+your grimy self, 'That young man's head is too cool to be muddled up
+with the devil's brew.  I'm sorry about that!'"
+
+The last words were whispered hurriedly, and there was no time to
+respond, but Allyne's face shone as the ladies greeted them, with merry
+reproaches for their laggardness, and soon all were seated, quietly
+listening to Mrs. Poinsett, who was an excellent reader.  Faith was not
+so good a listener, that morning, however.  It was an exquisite day,
+after the storm.  The air was of a crystal purity and delicious
+coolness, the sea, rough enough to attract the gaze, yet not so rough
+as to distract the nerves, and the sky's soft blue was occasionally
+flecked with small, faint cloudlets, that seemed like distant flocks of
+sheep, grazing in heavenly meadows.  Only the battered ship beneath
+them recalled the fury of last night's stormburst.  But as the memory
+of those anxious hours swept over her she looked at Lady Moreham, and
+wondered that she should so have opened her heart in that time of
+waiting, for just now she seemed as stately and unapproachable as ever.
+
+Then, too, it was so tantalizing that her story should have been broken
+off in the middle, and left there.  Would they ever hear its close?  It
+did not seem likely.  Moved out of herself by the nearness of death,
+the titled dame had reverted to childish days, speaking her thoughts
+aloud.  Probably nothing would induce her to speak again.
+
+"However," thought Faith, "father knows and perhaps he'll tell us some
+day, when he gets a minute's leisure--that is, if he can be convinced
+that she would not care.  What an honorable man he is!  We would never
+have known a lisp from his lips."
+
+But it was a busy time with the captain.  Only a day or so out from
+Bombay, now, he was straining every nerve to restore the vessel to
+something like her normal condition before they should enter port, and
+it seemed to his daughters that they could scarcely get a daily
+greeting from him, even, in his intense absorption.  But they could
+wait, for, once on shore, he would have more leisure, as the steamer
+would be laid up for repairs, and the really saddening thought, now,
+was that so soon these friends of a month must all separate, to go
+their various ways.
+
+The Vanderhoff party intended soon to start for Poonah, Mr. Carnegie
+must take his men to Lucknow, the two attaches were to remain for the
+present at the Secretariat, the Windemeres would meet friends at
+Magpore, while the Traveler declared vaguely and laughingly that he
+would be "off to the jungles," in a day or two.  Lady Moreham said
+little of her plans.
+
+"I shall let circumstances govern me," she answered courteously to all
+questions, and no one ventured to interrogate her further.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+OLD TIES AND NEW.
+
+The next two days were glowing, as to weather, and filled with
+intensest life.  There were trunks to pack, loaned articles to hunt up,
+or return, neglected stitches to take, and a vast amount of friendly
+visiting to be crowded in.
+
+On shipboard one fully appreciates the old adage that "Blessings
+brighten as they take their flight."  Even the tiresome become
+interesting when we feel we may never see them again, while the
+hobbies, or crankiness of the singular become entirely bearable, when
+they are about to be lost sight of forever.  As death brings out the
+virtues, and veils the defects, of our friends, so does the nearness
+of, possibly, eternal separation produce the same effect, on shipboard.
+We love those who have become dear to us with an almost clinging
+tenderness, and we grow tolerant to affectionateness even of those not
+specially agreeable.
+
+Faith forgot that Dwight had sometimes been rude and Bess contrary;
+both girls now thoroughly realized that beneath her coolness and
+seeming superiority Lady Moreham carried a crushed and tender heart,
+and Hope knew that she should miss even Mrs. Windemere's pathetic,
+patient little voice.
+
+As they finally steamed by the lighthouse, and fixed eager eyes upon
+the city of their destination, many of these were dimmed with regret
+and sadness.  Even Mrs. Campbell, who had been very quiet of late,
+looked sober as she leaned against the bulwark, handsomer than ever in
+her plain traveling suit of tan, and Carnegie, between Lady Moreham and
+Faith, felt his heart fail him as he thought of the lonely, busy life
+before him for the next two years.  And then?  He turned to the girl
+with a smile that concealed only partially the quiver of his lips.
+
+"Do you know, it is just thirty days since I first saw you, and it is
+difficult to believe that I have not known you always.  I remember, you
+and Miss Hope were standing together, on deck, and I thought how
+marvelously alike you were, but I have never once mistaken one for the
+other--never!"
+
+She glanced up, half timidly.
+
+"I remember you said you should know us apart, but when I told Hope,
+she thought she could deceive you at any time."
+
+"Well, she knows better now!" he returned meaningly.
+
+"Why?  Did she ever try it?"
+
+"Yes, once."  He laughed enjoyably.
+
+"She did.  And she never told me!"
+
+"Certainly not, for she failed entirely.  I thought she would want to
+keep it to herself, so I never betrayed her."
+
+"That was nice of you, Mr. Carnegie!"
+
+"Only commonly decent, it seems to me.  And, you see, I have told now."
+
+"Told what?" asked Hope, approaching, with something very like a scowl
+on her bright face.  "I do wish, Faith, that you'd look better after
+that Andy of yours!  I happened to drop my best veil within his reach,
+and before I could stop him he had torn it to shreds.  Texas doesn't
+act that way."
+
+"You shall have mine," said Faith, promptly.  "Poor Andy!  I can't help
+liking him all the more, because everybody is down on him.  My veil is
+just like yours, dear, so take it, and I'll go without.  I don't care
+much for veils, anyhow, and we can be different in so little a thing as
+that, I'm sure."
+
+Hope gave her an odd look.
+
+"If that was the only thing we are different in!" she said instantly.
+"I'll never be so good as you, no matter how hard I try.  And it's no
+matter about the veil at all!  Do you know, it is exactly a month since
+we left home?  It seems years when I think of Debby and the old
+school-days, yet the hours have seemed to fly sometimes, too."
+
+"That's the odd thing about voyaging," observed the Traveler, as he
+joined them.  "It sends our past out of our minds with its novelties,
+making it seem far away, yet there are few lagging hours, and Time
+never stands still."
+
+"Is that always true?" asked Lady Moreham, turning quickly.  "I have
+not found it so."
+
+He looked at her with a kindly smile.  It had become subtly understood
+among a few that this aristocratic lady had a past, and not a happy
+past.
+
+"I think it as true as any general statement," he responded.  "But I
+can also understand that insistent memories could never take such a
+strong hold of one as during the enforced leisure of long trips by
+land, or water.  It would be a severe punishment for the remorseful, to
+condemn them to a voyage around the Horn in an old-fashioned sailing
+vessel.  I think they would be ready for confession and hanging by the
+time they landed!  But there's compensation in every situation, and the
+unhappy traveler, while remembering too much, perhaps, will also learn
+to readjust himself, and so make the future easier.  Reflection is a
+good thing only when it lights up the future as well as the past."
+
+The lady smiled, with more lightness than was her wont, and let a hand
+drop gently upon the shoulder of the girl beside her.  "With Faith to
+guide?" she asked; then, looking at the other sister, "And Hope to
+cheer?"  Then, more seriously, "It is a good thought, but one that has
+only come to me lately."
+
+A rattle of boyish feet, and Dwight was among them.
+
+"Most there, aren't we?" he cried with boyish eagerness.  Then, growing
+sober, "But what's the reason nice things always have a bad side, too?
+It's just horrid to have to leave you all!  Why, I felt like crying
+even to say good-by to Quint, Huri, and Tegeloo."
+
+"But you're not to start the good-byes up here yet," put in Carnegie,
+hurriedly.  "We shall not really separate for a day or two, and there's
+no use in prolonging the agony."
+
+He spoke with feeling, and a glance passed between the elders.
+
+A moment later, as the young people strolled onwards together, at the
+call of Bess, to watch the state barge of some native prince as it
+sailed slowly by, its dusky crew shouting greetings.  Lady Moreham,
+looking after them, said, slowly,
+
+"How lovely youth is when it is lovely!"
+
+"True, my lady, and there we see it at its best.  Those girls are
+charming, and it need surprise no one if these fine young fellows seek
+them out, and hate to be separated.  Carnegie seems of fine grain, and
+little Miss Faith is as modest as a violet.  She is your favorite, I
+imagine?"
+
+"Oh, I would not say that!  I find myself very much attracted to both,
+but there is something about Faith--a sympathy and tenderness,
+perhaps,--that is soothing when one's heart is sore.  Hope is
+wonderfully entertaining, and brightens you up, but Faith seems to
+understand without telling, and somehow makes you feel happier--more at
+peace with yourself.  I wish they were both my own!"
+
+He let his mild gaze rest upon her.
+
+"Lady Moreham, I am not an inquisitive man, but several times I have
+been on the point of asking you a question."  He could see that she
+shrank, but continued obliviously, "Have you any kinsman by the name of
+Duncan Glendower Moreham, from Kent, England?"
+
+She turned with a gasp, white to the lips.
+
+"Why?" she whispered with an effort, "Why?"
+
+"Because," he returned, not looking at her, "I traveled and hunted with
+him one whole season, two years ago.  I sometimes exchange letters with
+him, and have his address now.  He seemed to me a restless, wretched
+man, trying to drown some mental suffering in physical activity.  He
+gave no title with his name, and, like the rest of us, lived in the
+most absolute simplicity, but I noticed the crest on his linen, and in
+some books.  I knew him to be an English peer."
+
+With a visible effort the woman controlled herself.
+
+"Yes," she said in a voice strange in her own ears, "Yes, I know him.
+Would--would you give me his address?"
+
+He took out a card from his vest pocket, wrote a line or two, and
+handed it to her in silence.  As she read it her face grew almost
+radiant with surprised delight.
+
+"_Here_?" she murmured.  "So near?"
+
+She seemed incapable of further speech, and, seeing it, the gentleman
+said quickly,
+
+"You will pardon my officiousness.  He is here in India, not many miles
+out from Bombay, and I shall see him very soon.  Am I to mention you?
+I might--" he hesitated for the right words--"I could only say the
+pleasantest things of you, and the most general, but I am his friend,
+whom he claims to like and respect.  If I am meddling with what is none
+of my business--"
+
+"No, no, you are all that is helpful and kind!  Let me think--no, I
+won't think--I have thought too much, and sometimes first impulses are
+best.  I will trust you fully.  You have tact, you know the world.  I
+feel that you have guessed out a great deal of what it is hard to bring
+myself to talk about.  But this much I will say--the man you mention
+was--no, is--my husband!  For the rest, go to my good friend, the
+captain; he will tell you all.  Good-by, and thank you from my heart!"
+
+They clasped hands silently--the two strangers whose life-threads had
+been permitted to cross, just now, for some divine purpose, then the
+woman, stirred to the depths, went to her stateroom, and the man stood
+still for a time, looking out to sea.  "Life is a wonder," he mused, "a
+succession of surprises.  When Duncan brought his men to the relief of
+a stranger, set upon and nearly overwhelmed by an angry Chinese mob,
+that day in Muen Yan's district, he did not imagine what might come of
+it to his own advantage.  I felt, from the minute I heard Lady
+Moreham's name, that I had gotten hold of the other end of Duncan's
+mystery, and I have not watched her so closely for nothing, all this
+voyage.  My misguided friend and his over-proud wife will meet more
+happily than they parted, or I am much mistaken.  I must wire him the
+minute I touch land."
+
+Just down the deck the girls were laughing merrily, as Hope, teased
+into it by her sister, who was curious to know why she had failed in
+personating herself, told the story with keen enjoyment of her own
+discomfiture.
+
+"It was away back," she began, "as much as three weeks ago, and Faith
+had been real mean and shut herself up with a book.  In fact, nobody
+seemed real nice and ready for fun, and I couldn't find Dwight to plan
+things, so I sat moping on deck when I saw Mr. Carnegie coming along,
+looking almost as glum as I, and the thought crossed my mind that we
+might mutually cheer each other--and then, like a flash, I determined
+to pretend to be Faith.  I looked up in a sweet, meek way with a
+smile--"
+
+"Like this--" interpolated Carnegie, with a smirk that sent them all
+into convulsions.
+
+"I couldn't look like that if I tried!" indignantly.  "And you mustn't
+interrupt."
+
+"I was only illustrating.  Picture stories always take better with
+children.  But beg pardon!  Go on."
+
+"Humph!  Well, he took my bait with alacrity," giving the young man a
+defiant look, "so I began to talk to him as soon as he had got settled
+in his chair.  I asked him whether he preferred Longfellow, or
+Tennyson," with a laughing glance at her discomfited sister, who had a
+little weakness for displaying her knowledge of poetry.  "I didn't dare
+go into any of those other fellows, like--oh, Keats, say, or--or--well
+any of 'em--but I knew about the 'Building of the Ship,' and there's
+lots of guessing about Browning anyhow, so I thought I might steer
+clear of snags, if I managed well.  Mr. Carnegie seemed ready enough to
+talk about them both, but oh! what a dance he did lead me!  He called
+me Miss Faith, right enough, but when he asked me to repeat again, in
+that charming manner I knew so well, those fine lines from Jean Ingelow
+that I had given him yesterday, I began to tremble.  He seemed
+astonished when I asked vaguely--'What lines?' and remarked that he had
+never supposed me forgetful before.  Then he began talking about Ibsen,
+and I gave up.  'Oh! for goodness' sake, stop!' I cried, 'I'm not Faith
+at all.'  'I knew it,' he said calmly, 'and thought I could soon make
+you own up.  Now, aren't you ashamed of yourself?'  And I was!"
+
+"And yet tried the same game on me!" commented Allyne in a low tone,
+but with reproachful emphasis.
+
+She turned a laughing face upon him.
+
+"Oh, no, that was different.  You deceived yourself.  Would you have me
+go about setting everybody straight?"
+
+"Not at all.  All I ask is that you will set me straight."
+
+"Indeed!" cried Hope, "but that is asking a good deal."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+IN OLD BOMBAY.
+
+"I never expected it to look like this," remarked Faith in a
+dissatisfied tone, as they entered the carriage for their first
+explorations in Bombay, a day or so later.
+
+She spoke to the air, perhaps, but her father answered the comment.
+
+"Isn't it fine enough to please you, daughter?" as he took his seat
+opposite the two girls in a handsome victoria, that would not have
+disgraced the most aristocratic drive in London.
+
+"Fine enough?  It's too fine!" put in Hope with emphasis.  "It's as
+Englishy as Portsmouth itself, so far.  We expected to see coolies, and
+palanquins, and bungalows, and cobras, and--"
+
+"Well, you need not hanker long after the last-named," laughed her
+father, "for there is a snake-charmer this minute, and I don't doubt he
+has a fine collection about him somewhere."
+
+"In his boots, perhaps," suggested Faith slily, as they all turned to
+gaze at the dark-skinned fellow in dingy white turban and loin-cloth,
+who squatted on the sidewalk before one of those high modern buildings
+which had excited Faith's comment, a long pipe at his lips and a basket
+at his side, from which peeped an ugly flat head with darting tongue.
+
+"Ugh!" she shuddered, turning another way, "I don't care for your
+cobras, Hope, and everybody knows that bungalows aren't to be found in
+city streets.  But as for the coolies and palanquins, of course--"
+
+"You have them both!" laughed the captain, pointing down the narrower
+street into which they had just entered.
+
+All laughed with him, while the black bearers trotted by, as suddenly,
+from between the curtains of this box-like carriage, out popped a
+tennis cap, while a well-known voice shouted a boyish "Hello!" as a
+hand was waved in greeting.
+
+"It's Dwight--Hello!  Hello!" Hope shouted back, waving her white
+parasol vigorously.  "Isn't he the greatest boy?"
+
+"I wonder if he'll turn up on that bullock cart, too.  He seems
+omnipresent!" laughed the captain, as they whirled by.  "When are they
+off for Poonah?"
+
+"I suppose to-day, but perhaps not till night," returned Faith.
+
+"Did you ever see anything like that?  If you call this Englishy, Hope."
+
+"No, I don't.  Things are beginning to look quite Indiany, since we
+left those fine new streets, I confess."
+
+They were now slowly threading their way among the teeming crowds of a
+narrow place where it seemed as if the odd-looking houses upon each
+side had emptied all their occupants out before their doors.  Men but
+half-clothed spread out their wares, or plied their trades, in full
+view of all, and children with no clothes at all paddled their bare
+black feet in the gutters, or sat cross-legged, rolling marbles over
+the paving stones.  Presently, Faith pointed with a significant smile,
+and as they drove slowly by a teeming doorway, each gazed with
+astonished curiosity at the characteristic scene.
+
+The central figure was a man in the barber's hands, who was just then
+calmly lathering his customer's face in the full gaze of all, while
+close by a straight, lithe, young Indian woman, with a bright-eyed baby
+sitting astride her hips, stopped to sell the two a handful of figs,
+from the fruit-tray balanced lightly above the gay cotton sari
+confining her dark locks.
+
+"The men seem to have the best time of it here," remarked the girl in
+low tones.  "The idea of that poor girl carrying so much about with
+her.  I should think her baby was enough!"
+
+"Yes, but that is better than being harnessed up with a donkey," said
+her father, bending forward to give the driver some instructions.
+
+Faith looked at him with an astonished gaze.
+
+"I never heard you speak of marriage like that before," she said
+reproachfully.
+
+"Marriage?"  He looked at her with a dazed expression, then broke into
+a hearty laugh.  "So you thought my donkey was a husband?  A queer
+mistake that!  No, I meant the real thing--the four-legged donkey--and
+I literally mean that poor women are often used with donkeys to do the
+same kind of work."
+
+"Shameful!" cried Hope indignantly.
+
+"That is by no means the worst that woman has to bear in this country.
+I thank God my daughters came to a Christian land.  A girl is of little
+account here, except to bear burdens, or wait on her lord and master.
+And when her husband dies she is to be deeply pitied.  Married when but
+a small child, she goes into her husband's family to be cared for by
+his people, until old enough to be his wife in reality.  Sometimes she
+is well treated, sometimes not.  If he does not happen to fancy her as
+she grows older, her lot is little better than that of a slave, and she
+is beaten and abused by the other more favored women.  But this is
+bliss compared with her condition should her husband die.  Then, all
+her ornaments, which she loves as little children love glittering toys,
+are torn off, her head is shaved, she is made to look as hideous as
+possible, and cannot take part in any enjoyments or festivities
+whatever, but must run away and hide from every man, even her nearest
+of kin.  But she is not only barred from every pleasure, but from all
+affection, as well.  Her lord's death is laid at her door, and his
+family take every occasion to load her with reproaches, because if she
+had not been wicked in some other existence he would not have been lost
+to her now.  It is not much wonder that the poor things used to be
+ready to die with him on the funeral pyre, for when they decided to do
+that, they were loaded with jewels and praises, everybody flattered
+them and told them that, because of their devotion, not only the
+husband, but all his relatives, would have better places in Paradise,
+and reign forever.  So, intoxicated with all this notice, and delighted
+with her splendid attire, the benighted little creature, who never gets
+beyond childhood in intellect, felt she would rather have a short life
+and a merry one, and so often committed Suttee."
+
+"And don't they do so now?" asked Hope.
+
+"No, it is abolished by law--British law.
+
+"But they burn their dead yet, don't they?" was Faith's question, as
+she listened with sympathetic shivers.
+
+"Yes.  Some day, when I get time we will go to the Ganges and see some
+of their strange burial ceremonies--that is, if you can stand it,
+daughter."
+
+"Oh yes, but I do think there are some dreadful things in this world,
+papa!"
+
+"True, darling, and there would have been more dreadful, if the blessed
+Son of God had not come to teach us better ways.  Man, left to himself,
+is always a savage.  God and good women, both, have helped him to be
+better."
+
+He spoke reverently, touching the visor of his cap involuntarily.  When
+he thought of good women, memory always recalled the wife he had loved,
+and his soul blessed her memory.
+
+They had now left the new town far behind them, and were slowly passing
+between expressionless house walls, with soiled awnings stretched above
+the lane-like street.  The whole population seemed to live out of
+doors, and the cooking, hammering, tailoring, baby-tending, and
+lounging, was all done at so close range that the horses could scarcely
+keep from stepping on the merchants, and the carriage was in danger of
+making a wreck of his stock of goods.  The houses, which seemed only to
+serve as backgrounds to all this teeming life, were of all colors--red,
+green, orange, and blue--and between the queer, many-shaped roof-tops
+waved the feathery crowns of date trees, the glossy foliage of the fig,
+and the stately fronds of the palm--but these were of scanter growth
+just here, though what there were, swarmed with kites, crows,
+parakeets, and even squirrels, while dogs "by the million," as Hope
+remarked, and cattle, and monkeys, and goats, were on every spot where
+babies and larger children had left an inch of room.
+
+As they penetrated further into the native portion of the city, Captain
+Hosmer called the girls' attention to the many shrines, where some one
+was always standing with clasped hands and bent head, engaged in
+prayers to Parvati, perhaps, or Vishnu--for the image in the shrine
+differed--and to the peculiar reverence which every Hindu shows to the
+cow, a sacred animal to them.  The gentle creature seems actually one
+of the family, possibly prized even more than the children, for it
+furnishes them with food, drink and fuel and receives in return the
+first notice and care.
+
+"The orthodox Hindu will feed his cow before he does himself," said the
+captain.  "And as he does so, he will repeat a little invocation, and
+when he meets one on the road he will touch her sleek side and then his
+own forehead, that so her blessings may be upon his head."
+
+"And let his daughters be treated worse than dogs," breathed Hope in
+deep disgust.
+
+"Father," said Faith with sudden fervor.  "I am ashamed of myself that
+I ever begrudged the little bit of missionary money I used to give at
+Sunday-school.  If I could have realized how much these people need to
+be taught better, I would have given four times as much, and weighted
+it with prayers.  Why, I think it is awful!"
+
+"And yet this land is far advanced in decency and civilization compared
+with many," was the reply.  "With the missionary, the trained nurse,
+and the railroad, India is in a fair way to become thoroughly
+enlightened before a half-century has rolled away.  The trouble is that
+she clings so to her own cherished ideas of caste, and of worship.
+Personally the Hindostanee is a good fellow--gentle, charitable, and a
+loyal friend--but he is so priest-ridden, and so filled with
+superstitions and notions, that it is almost impossible to get any
+sense, far less any Christianity, into his pate.  I have a large
+respect for those who stay here year by year, braving a climate that is
+enough to take all the life out of the strongest, and laboring with
+this prejudiced people, just because it is their duty.  Folks oughtn't
+to begrudge them a few pennies, saved from candy or ribbons, my dear."
+
+"No," said Faith, leaning back and closing her eyes a moment.  "What a
+glare it is!" she murmured wearily.  "The sun is so hot, and the light
+so white and blinding; then the houses are so dreadfully blue and pink,
+and the crows and people so black, and the dogs so greedy, and
+everything so noisy, it makes my head ache!"
+
+"It _is_ wearing, daughter, and one can't stand too much of it at
+once."  He gave another order, and they presently came into a wider
+street, that was almost like a viaduct for shelter, as awnings were
+stretched above it the whole length.  There was scarcely any life here,
+and the high stone walls of wealthy homes shut them in, with only an
+occasional balcony, or latticed window, to break the monotony of their
+blank surfaces.
+
+"Here live the native families of the highest caste," explained the
+captain, "and inside are beautiful courts, with flowers and fountains,
+where they lounge and live, as the lower classes do in the streets.
+But it is cooler here, if not so lively."
+
+"Delicious!" murmured Faith enjoyingly, still resting her eyes where
+there was little to see.
+
+They turned from this shaded way into one of the new streets and, as
+the carriage suddenly stopped with an exclamation from her father, she
+looked up to see Huri, Tegeloo, and a half-dozen other Mohammedans of
+the "International," bowing to the ground before them, their white
+teeth showing in their fine dark faces, full of joy and devotion.  On
+Tegeloo's wrist perched Texas, while a little black head popped up from
+a fold of Huri's mantle, and both bird and monkey began a noisy
+greeting in their own tongues--which meant a vociferous "Hello!" from
+the former and a chuckling cry from the latter.  Warned by past
+experience the girls had left their pets on shipboard, in care of these
+faithful servants, who now were evidently giving them an airing.
+
+"How nice of you, Tegeloo!" cried Hope, stroking the parrot, who
+grunted with satisfaction, and informed her many times that he was
+still, "Poor Texas, pretty Texas!" nipping her finger gently as he
+sidled and snuggled, while Andy leaped to Faith's lap, and was so
+determined to stay that he had to be removed by force, soft-hearted
+Faith looking back at the crying baby with the expression of a mother
+bereft of her child.
+
+"Andy got swell-head!" laughed Huri, as he stroked him into submission,
+"Andy like to ride in big carriage.  He no walk!" at which resentful
+Andy gave him a sounding slap that promptly ended his comments.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+FRIENDS ASHORE.
+
+As the Hosmers returned to the hotel, each noted a handsome carriage
+before the door, with liveried outriders, and while themselves
+alighting young Allyne and his friend, Mr. Donelson, came down the
+steps to reach it, but, seeing our party, made haste to intercept them.
+
+"We've just been to call on you," cried the former, his face radiant at
+the fortunate meeting, "and were about departing utterly crestfallen.
+Do you notice our style?" with a merry glance at the grand equipage.
+
+"Notice it!  It fills all the horizon," laughed Hope, with reddening
+cheeks.  "We supposed that the Governor-General, at the very least, had
+come to bid us welcome, and inquire after our health.  Of course we
+could not admit the idea that he had come here for any other purpose."
+
+"Well, we may not be the Governor-General--who, by the way, might not
+feel like a journey from Calcutta just for a friendly call even upon
+two charming young ladies," observed Mr. Donelson, "but I haven't a
+doubt you'll find us quite as interesting!"
+
+"And a great deal younger," added Allyne suggestively.
+
+"Oh! such conceit," cried Faith, as they bubbled over with laughter.
+
+"And we're much obliged for your valuable information," added Hope,
+rather taken aback at her own blunder.
+
+"About the location of the Residency, or our relative ages?" asked
+Allyne.
+
+"We make no charge for either!" continued Donelson, airily.
+
+"Better come back inside then, gentlemen," proposed the captain.  "It's
+a bit warm here."
+
+But they felt they must get back for dinner, now, though it evidently
+cost Allyne something to decline.
+
+"We will sometime meet again?" he questioned, as he clasped Hope's hand
+and looked beseechingly into her eyes.
+
+"Possibly," she returned, flushing slightly, then with a mischievous
+glance, "But are you certain which of us you are speaking to?  Have you
+learned to distinguish us yet?"
+
+"I have--perfectly!" was the tart response.  "When the rose gives me a
+taste of its thorns it is you; Miss Faith is never sarcastic."
+
+"Indeed!"
+
+"But,"--quickly--"I like thorns!  They give zest to the loveliest rose."
+
+"Come," admonished her father in a dry tone, "this glare and glitter
+will give you a headache.  It isn't healthy."
+
+The girls somewhat slowly followed him in.  The young men rode away.
+In the heart of one was a deadly fear that, by one hour's foolishness,
+he might have forfeited some privileges which had become most precious
+in his sight of late.  The other broke into his musings with a ruthless
+word,
+
+"The captain does not specially favor us, Tom."
+
+"I am sure he treated us politely," was returned with some resentment.
+
+"Yes, too politely.  I wouldn't get foolish in that direction, my boy;
+it won't work."
+
+Tom Allyne did not answer, and his face was sober.  But presently its
+expression lightened.  He recalled what Carnegie had said of the
+captain's comment, after that dreadful night of fire and flood, and
+took courage.
+
+"I've got to prove myself a man first," he told himself, "and it won't
+be an easy thing to do, with my surroundings.  Is she worth it?"  Then,
+as the color flamed into his cheeks, "Heaven help me to be worthy of
+her!  And remember that you are worth saving, or you wouldn't have been
+given this chance, Tom Allyne!"
+
+
+It was late the next afternoon when, trying to keep cool in their shady
+balcony in sheer white gowns of India lawn, another guest was
+announced, and to the surprise of both Mr. Carnegie entered, with the
+Traveler.
+
+"Why, we thought you had gone on!" said Faith, with a flush, doubtless
+produced by the heat, which was great.
+
+"I expected to," returned Carnegie, as the others exchanged greetings,
+the captain appearing in a duck coat and trousers which quite
+transformed him, "but found a day's reprieve awaiting me, which has
+lengthened out, as my men have had to undergo some formalities of
+registration here.  I have been too busy to see you sooner, though it
+was hard to keep away.  I met old Quint on the street to-day, and
+really longed to shake hands with him, just because he was from the
+'International.'  How attached I did get to that dear old steamer!"
+
+"Yes, these attachments to steamers are really wonderful!" observed the
+Traveler with a dry air that sent the captain and Hope off into a peal
+of merriment, while the other young people looked very sheepish.  But
+Carnegie soon rallied.
+
+"I think they are, myself!" he allowed with frankness.  "And I don't
+propose to let the attachment die out in my case, either," he added
+boldly.  "Captain Hosmer, may I write to you and your daughters
+occasionally?"
+
+The captain gave him a keen glance, which presently broadened into a
+smile.
+
+"I shall be happy to hear from you," he said heartily, "but I am not a
+very good correspondent, myself.  I usually get Faith, here, to answer
+my letters.  Of course she may not make them so interesting as I
+should, but, barring a little too much tendency to long words and
+poetical quotations, she does very well.  Yes, indeed, let us hear
+occasionally, Mr. Carnegie.  I shall be interested to learn how you
+succeed in your new work."
+
+Though all were smiling at the captain's raillery, Carnegie turned an
+earnest face upon him.
+
+"I have some idea that I may go back with you.  You will have to be
+here much longer than you had intended, won't you?"
+
+"Considerably longer, yes.  All right, if you can.  The old
+'International' will give you a welcome."
+
+The two callers lingered almost beyond the limits of etiquette, and
+when they separated it was with an "Au revoir" from the young officer.
+
+"I won't say good-by," he declared; "I shall see you again."
+
+It was a day or so later.  The Hosmers had taken the little steam
+launch for a trip to the island of Elephanta, containing the famous
+caves of the same name.  It was a glorious morning, and the short trip
+over the dancing, dazzling waves to the pretty islet, with its steep
+banks and waving palms, was a delightful one.  As they landed, the
+captain pointed out the mangrove swamps, and the rich growth of wild
+indigo and Karunda bushes, while Hope went wild over the splendid
+butterflies, which settled down in showers before them, transforming
+the green bushes into great nosegays of purple, crimson, and orange
+bloom.  Only, these blossoms constantly changed and shifted, with
+feathery, fluttering movements and kaleidoscopic changes.
+
+Birds were many and brilliant, also, and to add to this animal life a
+horde of dark-skinned little Hindu boys started up at every turn,
+clamoring to sell the party all sorts of odd collections, from jungle
+flowers to the gilded wood lice, the name of which condemns them,
+though they are really beautiful insects, until death robs them of
+their glow, and makes them as repulsive as others of their kin.
+
+"Haven't I heard that snakes abound here?" asked Faith timorously, as
+they ascended the stone steps leading up the hill from the swampland
+below.  "Don't they kill a good many every year?"
+
+Her father smiled knowingly, and, as they reached the top, turned to an
+English soldier in charge, and said laughingly, "My daughter, here,
+imagines you keep snakes on hand--the idea!"
+
+The other seemed to find some fun in the remark, and grinned broadly.
+
+"The young ladies need have no fear," he returned politely, as he
+touched his white helmet.
+
+But, as the girls passed on, he detained the Captain with a wink.  "I
+see you know," he whispered, "but don't be worried.  We've just been
+the rounds and killed three, and I don't believe any more will trouble
+us to-day.  Just keep your eyes open, though, for they make the
+ninety-sixth this season.  We'll soon get it up to the century mark;
+but it isn't like it used to be, when four and five hundred made the
+yearly score."  His tone was positively regretful, though he referred
+to the cobra, deadliest of serpents, and the curse of every bright bit
+of glade and forest in India.  It crawls out from its holes in the
+caverns of this island of Elephanta, and, with the miasma just as
+deadly that rises from the swamps, makes any residence upon its
+lovely-seeming hillsides a constant menace.  But where will not people
+stay if prompted by self-interest?  The dwellers on the sides of
+Vesuvius do not lie awake to wait for its eruption, and the dwellers on
+Elephanta do not step any more gingerly in their bare feet because at
+any moment a sting may end their career.
+
+If "Death stalketh abroad at noonday," we always imagine he is on his
+way to some other fireside; ours is not to be invaded.
+
+But the captain needed no warning.  He had seen to it that the girls
+were thickly shod for their tramp, and he himself carried a cane with a
+heavy silver top, while his eyes, trained to close observation, seldom
+missed seeing what they were looking for.  He soon overtook the girls,
+and preceded them down the stone steps into the cavern, upon which most
+of these poisonous reptiles are encountered in that special vicinity.
+
+If one _will_ visit a region devoted to a god whose power is
+represented by a hooded serpent, he should not complain at meeting the
+real thing, occasionally.  Elephanta is dedicated to Shiva, the
+Destroyer, her attributes being imaged in the person of the cobra.
+
+"Ugh!  How gloomy!" muttered Hope, as they descended into the damp,
+cool cavern, keeping close to her father, but letting her roving eyes
+take in the mass of carving on every side.
+
+"What does it all mean, papa?" asked Faith, also drawing closer.
+
+"It is grand, and horrible!"
+
+"Dose be gods," replied the native guide, giving her a reproachful
+look.  "It is one s'rine to deir memory."
+
+"Dear me!  I wouldn't want to remember them," she went on quaintly, not
+noticing his look.  "I am only afraid I shall, in my dreams.  How can
+any people believe that supreme power can take such shapes as these?"
+
+Her father looked thoughtful.
+
+"Yet, after all, it is not so strange.  When I think of the cruel
+forces in nature man had to overcome in early days, with his constant
+terror of the many he could not in the least understand--like
+electricity, or wind, even--and his danger from savage beasts and
+deadly reptiles, is it any wonder he got hold of but one idea,--that of
+power?  It took a Saviour to fully teach him love and salvation.  Even
+the prophets and priests couldn't make him fully understand.  No, I
+don't wonder the ancients tried to propitiate all these harmful forces
+and begged for their mercy--poor wretches!"
+
+As he spoke, in a low tone, they were passing slowly around the gloomy
+place at the heels of the guide, and shudderingly gazing at the hideous
+representations of a barbaric faith which seemed starting out of the
+shadows under the upheld torches.  At first they could scarcely
+separate the crowding figures, so intermingled were they, but
+presently, as their eyes became more accustomed to the weird lights and
+shades, they could separate them into distinct groups and figures.
+
+Before one gigantic, but peculiar form, which is the central one in
+that cavern, they lingered long, while the guide explained that this
+image is an attempt to show how perfectly the highest of their gods,
+Brahma, unites both sexes, in character and personality.  One side
+gives the image of a man, rugged and muscular, the other, that of a
+woman, softly molded, and with long braids of hair.
+
+Into the midst of their still and thoughtful survey broke the noise of
+frivolous talk and laughter, and another party were heard at the
+opening.  They did not at once enter.  They seemed far more occupied in
+making arrangements for some prospective merry-making than in any study
+of these curious relics.  The girls could hear talk of champagne-cup
+and curry, and suddenly a voice sounded which made them look at each
+other.
+
+"That is Mrs. Campbell," said Hope.  "What is she doing here?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+IN ELEPHANTA'S CAVES.
+
+As she spoke some of the party began to descend.  A man's voice, with a
+drawling accent, made some remark about its being "a beastly hole," and
+another, of a heartier bass tone added,
+
+"You've hit it, Campbell.  It is a 'beastly hole,' and the beasts are
+cobras, at your service.  They kill a dozen or so a day, here."
+
+"Heavens!" screamed a woman, "and you expect us to go down to certain
+death there?  How ungallant!"--and amid such laughter and persiflage
+half a dozen men and women descended.
+
+"But really, are there snakes?" asked Mrs. Campbell's languid tones,
+curiously like her husband's, without his coarseness--for this heavy,
+beefy, blear-eyed man was undoubtedly the husband whom she had never
+cared to mention on shipboard.--"You know I am deathly afraid of them.
+I should faint if I saw one."
+
+Her voice showed real agitation, but her husband laughed uproariously.
+Evidently he was under the influence of liquor.  The girls, after one
+glance at him, shrank back into the shadow, hoping they would not be
+recognized by the wife.  For the first time in their acquaintance of
+the woman, they pitied her.  To be that man's daily companion was a
+degradation.
+
+Just as Mrs. Campbell's dainty foot touched the stone floor of the
+cavern, the captain saw a gliding motion in the uncertain light, and,
+with the readiness of the man used to coping with danger, he sprang
+forward and struck at something dark and slender, that might have been
+but a crevice in the uneven floor.  But it was no crevice.  A hissing
+sound issued from the silent, creeping thing, and with shrieks of
+consternation the women fled back up the stairway, while Mr. Campbell
+and the other man leaped to one corner, to get beyond the reach of its
+fangs.
+
+"Stay where you are!" shouted the captain to his daughters.  "I'll
+never let it get away;" and they could hear the whistle of his labored
+breathing, and the loud whacking of his stick, as they cowered behind
+the guide, white with terror.
+
+It was over in a moment, and the reptile, inert and helpless, was
+stretched half-way across the entrance room.  The captain stood upright
+and wiped his forehead.
+
+"Come, girlies," he said, trying to speak cheerily, "let's get out of
+here.  We've seen enough, I guess!"
+
+Nothing loth, they quickly followed him up the steps while the
+trembling men and the guide gathered carefully around the now harmless
+reptile.  Amid the consternation of the ladies above, who had widely
+scattered in their terror, the three were about departing unnoticed,
+when Mrs. Campbell recognized them and called out,
+
+"Is that you, Captain Hosmer--and did you kill that horrid snake.  I
+might have known it!  You have a way of being on hand when you are
+needed."
+
+He lifted his cap, and, as the girls hesitated, she came up to them
+with a really sweet look on her face.
+
+"Don't hurry away, girls!  You don't know how good it seems to see you
+again.  I have been almost homesick ever since we landed.  You know the
+Windemeres have gone on, but I found Mr. Campbell here waiting for me.
+We--"
+
+She was interrupted by a coarse laugh, and her husband appeared,
+ascending the steps.  Turning to him, she said in a dignified tone,
+
+"Rufus, these are Captain Hosmer and his daughters, of the
+'International.'  I want you to meet them, then we will try and
+persuade them to eat tiffin with us, provided we can think of eating
+after such an adventure!"
+
+As she spoke he came fully into view, and suddenly flirted out one hand
+from behind his coat, paying no heed to her remark.  To her horror, she
+saw it was the dead snake he was thus playing with, and, knowing him of
+old, she turned pale.
+
+"Rufus!" she cried warningly, backing up a step.
+
+He gave a tantalizing laugh, and gave the repulsive thing another
+flirt, which brought it near her face.  With a shriek of dismay she
+broke into a run, feeling, as she did so, that she had made a great
+mistake.  He started after her, every step taking them further from the
+group, where she might have had protection from his vicious teasing.
+
+"Stop!" thundered the captain, seeing the woman's wild face, "Stop, or
+you'll do her a mischief," but, laughing so loudly that he could hear
+nothing else, the brute kept on.
+
+Mrs. Campbell, wildly excited, could not keep up this pace long, and as
+she faltered, in hopes to dodge and turn back, he drew nearer and gave
+the snake a fling.  It whizzed about her head, and she gave an awful
+shriek of horror as she felt its slimy folds about her neck.  It was
+too much!  Never a strong woman, and morbidly afraid of these cobras,
+living or dead, she sank down in a faint, just before her amazed
+husband, who nearly stumbled over her inert body.
+
+"Bless us!  If she hasn't fainted," he muttered stupidly, as he bent
+over her, too muddled to understand all he had done.
+
+The captain reached them before he had done more than stupidly gaze at
+her, and unceremoniously flinging him one side, said, "Give her air,
+you brute!  It's lucky for you if you haven't killed her!"
+
+He laid her back on the grass, flinging the snake far away, and the
+excited women gathered around.  Just at this instant the launch sounded
+its summons for departure, and Captain Hosmer knew, if he would meet an
+important engagement at noon, he must not let her sail without him.
+Meanwhile, the drunken husband was bridling and threatening, claiming
+that the man had insulted him--yes, "actually had the audacity to lay
+hands on him, begad!"  The captain did not notice him any more than if
+he had been a puppy snarling at his heels.
+
+"We'll have to go," he said to one of the women, who looked more
+sensible than the rest.  "A little water will revive her, but another
+such fright may be the death of her, with her heart giving out like
+that.  You look after her, and get her home--"  He stopped.  "Poor
+creature!  Where on earth is there a home for her?"  With a stern
+visage he offered an arm to each of his daughters.
+
+"We'll have to hurry, girlies.  We must leave her to her friends.  But
+mind me!  Before I ever let one of you marry a drinking man I'll shut
+you up in the hold of the old 'International,' and batten down the
+hatches!  Do you hear?"
+
+Neither attempted to answer, but Hope looked sober as he helped them
+aboard the launch, which was all steamed up ready for the start.  The
+first person they saw was the Traveler.
+
+"Well met!" he cried gaily, as they shook hands with the cordiality of
+old friends.  "You've been visiting false gods, I see."
+
+"Yes, and where have you strayed from?" returned the captain, trying to
+throw off disagreeable impressions.
+
+The Traveler mentioned a resort further on, at which the launch also
+stopped for passengers, and Hope, rallying a little, remarked,
+
+"It's odd enough!  We supposed almost everybody was going on from
+Bombay, and we would be the only ones left, but they all seem to
+linger, and appear in the most unexpected places."
+
+"That's a way we have in Bombay," laughed the gentleman.  "But I really
+have a good reason--a delay in the preparation of my outfit.  I left my
+card for you this morning, with my final farewell pencilled upon it,
+for I expect to leave before dark.  Meanwhile, have you seen Lady
+Moreham?"
+
+"No, not since we landed.  She is one who has seemed to drop out of
+sight most unaccountably."
+
+"I did not suppose you had, for she and Mrs. Poinsett left very
+hurriedly last night."
+
+"Indeed!  For where?"
+
+"Delhi, at first.  The fact is, she joins her husband there--a friend
+of my own, by the way.  A telegram from him hastened her going, and one
+of my reasons for calling was to give you her adieux, and all sorts of
+kind messages.  I also left a letter from her to the Misses Hosmer at
+your rooms."
+
+"A letter for us--how charming!" cried Faith, while Hope nodded
+vigorously.
+
+But the captain, with a glance at his daughters, said lightly,
+
+"And nothing for me?"
+
+"I think she hoped to see you, Captain, but doubtless her letter
+explains everything.  Did you know the old Madam is dead?"
+
+"No!  You don't say so.  And is that why Lord Duncan--"
+
+The Traveler shook his head.  "I am a good deal in the dark about the
+particulars, but I learned something of the drift of affairs from the
+husband's own lips.  I know he repented deeply of yielding such
+implicit obedience to that proud old woman's wishes.  But she ruled all
+of her kin with a rod of iron.  And to such a nature as Lady Moreham's
+the constant restraint, the sarcastic comments, and the vigilant
+training to which she was subjected, must have been terribly irksome.
+I can at least vaguely understand it, and I have her permission to ask
+you for her side of the affair."
+
+"Yes," assented the captain.  "Well, well I am glad the embargo is
+removed.  It was that separation that the old dame insisted upon, which
+broke her heart.  It was bad enough to be so completely cut off from
+all her own family, but when her husband, himself, consented that she
+should be banished for a season, to be properly molded and made over by
+Mrs. Poinsett, while he traveled in foreign lands, it was the last
+hold.  She never could grip her anchor to any faith in God or man, for
+a time, and I think she hated everybody--at any rate everybody in the
+aristocracy."
+
+"And we thought her proud of her rank!" murmured Faith.  "Do you
+remember that first day when we called her 'a specimen of British
+aristocracy,' Hope?"
+
+"I remember when _I_ did," was the honest answer.  "It was a foolish
+thing to say, and I have regretted it ever since."
+
+"We can never judge with absolute correctness," mused the Traveler,
+with his kindly smile.
+
+"But papa, hasn't she any home relatives left to her--not even a
+sister?" asked Faith, and unconsciously her arm stole about the waist
+of her beloved twin.
+
+"I hope she has," was the answer, as the rugged sailor's face turned
+fondly towards the two.  "I have a notion that her letter will explain
+how, all unconsciously, my little girls have been a link between her
+and her dear old home."
+
+"We?" cried both, "how wonderful!  How could we?  Do tell us!"
+
+"Let the letter tell," said the captain, and the Traveler remarked in a
+reverent tone, as he gazed thoughtfully over the beautiful sheet of
+water,
+
+"We journey side by side, and our lives meet and separate without
+apparent thought, or design.  It is God who writes the completed story,
+and seals the sequel with His own 'AMEN.'"
+
+
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of All Aboard, by Fannie E. Newberry
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