Frank explained how, by accident, he came to be there, telling of the treacherous work in which he had detected Harlow not long before. “The fellow must have come directly here after returning to Blue Cove,” he said. “And that other chap was the spy.” “That other chap has been stopping at the Cove a few days,” said Kate Spencer. “He thinks he is a masher, and he was determined to force his attentions upon me.” After they had talked a short time, Mrs. Barnaby went into the house, and Kate, seeing Frank and Elsie wished to be alone, soon excused herself and left them seated in the hammock. “Oh, Frank,” whispered Elsie, looking up at him with her innocent blue eyes, “I am so glad to see you again! I had begun to fear we’d never see each other any more.” “And I had begun to fear so myself, dear little girl,” he confessed. “I did not know where you were, for you were sailing over the world with your father, and you did not have any permanent address.” “You did not answer the last two letters I wrote you.” “I answered every letter I received from you, Elsie. It must be they did not reach me.” A look of relief added to the happiness of her sweet face. “And I thought you were getting so far above the sea captain’s poor little daughter that you did not wish to answer. I heard that you were in college, and that you had become famous, and—and all that. Oh, Frank! you cannot know how I waited, and watched, and longed for an answer to my letters!” “It was a shame, little girl! But you should have known me better than to think I would forget you. You should have known that, no matter what fortune might befall me, I could not forget you. I have thought of you a hundred—a thousand—a million times! I have longed to see you more than I can tell!” His arm was about her waist, and he drew her close. Her golden head fell on his shoulder, and she smiled up into his eyes. “How does it happen that I find you here?” he asked. “Capt. Barnaby is one of father’s old sailor friends. He has told father many times that I could have a home with him, and at last, when I was tired of going to sea, father sent me here. Here I met Kate Spencer. Mrs. Barnaby is her own aunt.” “And you are not going to sea any more?” “No; I am tired of it. I have tried to induce father to leave the sea and settle down, but he always says: ‘After one more voyage.’ I’m afraid he’ll never give it up. He was rich once, you know, but he put all his money in ships, and his ships met with bad fortune, so he lost everything. It is his dream to wrest fortune from the sea once more.” “I am glad you are going to sea no more, for now I shall know where to find you, and you will receive all my letters.” “Oh, Frank!” she murmured; “I believe you are braver and nobler than you used to be—if possible.” “And you, Elsie—why, I didn’t dream you could become prettier than you were, but you have!” Light-hearted, whistling on his way, Frank returned to the hotel at Blue Cove.