‘And the peril is over, for this time at least,’ observed Jack, as he helped her on to the deck. Grace smiled upon him very graciously. She was struck with his bright, handsome face at first sight. If all the officers of the _Pandora_ were like this one (she thought) the voyage might not pass so tediously as she anticipated. Mr Vansittart followed closely on the heels of his wife and daughter, and Godfrey Harland, who had been staying at their house for the last few days, brought up the rear. As the latter raised his head, and encountered the honest eyes of the young sailor looking straight into his, although the glance was only instigated by a natural curiosity, he turned his uneasily away. These men had never met each other before. They were not even aware of each other’s names, and yet they instinctively felt a mutual dislike. Godfrey put Vernon down at once as a conceited, impertinent puppy--above his condition in life--and likely to give trouble in case of being roused. And Vernon mentally decided that Godfrey was shifty, independable, and a man to be avoided. ‘Nasty eyes,’ he said to himself afterwards; ‘I wouldn’t trust that fellow with change for a sovereign. If there’s any play going on during the voyage, I shall keep a sharp look out upon him.’ But at the moment he was compelled to be all politeness. ‘Vansittart--stern cabins 1 and 2,’ he said, as he glanced at their tickets. ‘If you will take the ladies into the saloon, sir, you will find the steward ready to show you the way. Mr Godfrey Harland, No. 14, your cabin is aft amongst the gentlemen;’ and with this Vernon Blythe turned curtly away, and commenced to give orders concerning the passengers’ baggage.