"You might have run her aground, and we should have had to leave her here all summer. Don't you know any better than to run about in the night where you are not acquainted? Is that the way you use other people's boats?" "The Marian is still afloat, and safe. Do you want any help?" "No; no such help as you can give. You can't do anything without making a blunder. I should like to knock the conceit out of you." The more blunders he charged upon me, and the more savage he was, the better assured I became that I had hit the nail on the head. As we were playing at cross-purposes, it was evident that all my direct thrusts would be regarded as blunders by him. What suited him could not possibly suit me, under the present circumstances. I did not know what he was doing on board of the Florina, and I did not care, so long as I knew where he was. He went into the cabin after he had expressed his mind to me, and I did not see him again for over an hour. "You must be tired, Marian," I said to my fair companion, as I heard her gape. "I am tired, Philip." "Why not lie down, then? I will watch over you, and see that no harm comes to you while you sleep." "Thank you, Philip; you are very kind. I am afraid I could not sleep if I did lie down." "You can at least rest yourself. You shall have the cabin all to yourself. We may not leave this lagoon before morning." "Where will the rest of you sleep, if I take the cabin all to myself?" "I shall sleep on deck. These cushions are as good a bed as I want." "And Mr. Whippleton?" "If we stay here, he will sleep on board of his own yacht. If not, he will probably stay at the helm." "I am very tired, for it seems to me that I never endured so much in one day in my life before," she replied, rising, and going into the cabin. I went with her, and secured the door which led into the cook-room, and showed her how to fasten the slide at the companion-way. I drew the blue curtains over the deck lights, and it seemed to me that maiden never had a more inviting chamber than the little cabin of the Marian. I bade her good night, and helped her close the door. Resuming my seat on the cushions of the standing-room, I thanked God that he had preserved her from the wiles of the villain; and I hoped she did not herself forget to acknowledge the goodness of Him who always watches over the innocent.