"I shall begin to think that you are going to have some relapse, Hester," said Bessy at last, as they sat alone, trying to read by the light in their little cabin, for John Studwick had gone to rest, and Bessy was sitting with Hester alone. "Oh, no," she exclaimed, with a smile, "I am quite well." "But you have been acting so strangely, and starting as you looked up at the skylight. Surely you have not caught some terrible fever through sitting in that bit of jungle." "Oh, no; I am quite well," said Hester, making an effort to control her feelings. "The heat, perhaps, makes me nervous." "I know," said Bessy, "you are nervous about your husband going down to-morrow." "Yes, yes, I am," cried Hester. "I always fear when I know of his taking the work in hand himself. He is so venturesome." "I wish he would be a little more kind. There, I'll say no more. Good-night. He has the watch to-night on deck--the first watch." "Has he?" "Yes; and if he were my husband I should go to him and ask him if this wicked estrangement was to last, because, if so, it should last for ever, for I would never make another advance to him." "Are you sure he has the watch to-night?" "Yes," said Bessy, kissing her; "and it's as dark as pitch on deck. Shall I go with you, dear?" "No, no," whispered Hester, eagerly, as her heart began to throb. "Good-night, good-night." "But where are you going?" said Bessy, playfully. "I am going to speak to my husband," said Hester, whose face was as white as ashes, but her voice very firm, for the strength that she had prayed for seemed to have come at last, and she felt that at any hazard she must go and tell Dutch of the impending danger to them both. For it was evident from the Cuban's words, as much as from his presence, that he held some deep design on hand, and perhaps she might be saving others as well as her husband by the step she was about to take. But he had said that he would kill Dutch if she betrayed him, and her heart seemed to stand still at the horrible thought. But no--Dutch was so strong and brave, and he would seize this villain, and, by taking rapid action, secure safety to himself, perhaps to the ship as well. "You had better let me go too," said Bessy, smiling. "No, no," said Hester, shaking her head; "stop here. I shall be back almost directly." "I am not so sure," said Bessy, laughing. "There, dear, all happiness come of your meeting. You will find him right forward, I think." Hester took a step towards the door, and then realised how weak she was, for she trembled and felt as if she should drop. But this was no time for hesitation, and she came back to say farewell. "Put out the light or turn it down. I do not want any one to see me go on deck."