The sailor said nothing, but I saw him glance with an appreciative grin at the scowling face of the supposed invalid, which was beginning to show distinct traces of its recent contact with my fist. This scowl became even darker when I handed over a two shilling piece, and stepped up unconcernedly on to the bottom rung of the ladder, leaving the knife lying behind me on the seat. I fancy that its owner would have given all his earthly possessions to jump up after me and plunge it into my back, but if so his longing had to share the fate of many another splendid aspiration in this disappointing world. As I reached the deck, under a fire of rather curious glances from the small knot of passengers who had gathered there, I noticed Miss de Roda, a little distance apart from the others, apparently waiting to speak to me. Ross, who was still leaning over the rail, made no effort to attract my attention, so, passing through the group, I walked up to where she was standing. "Here is my shilling, Mr. Dryden," she said, holding out her hand; "and thank you very much for saving me the other nineteen." I took the coin she offered me and put it into my pocket. "I think I shall bore a hole in it," I said, "and wear it as a medal. A naval victory like ours deserves some recognition." She laughed softly. "There will always be one person who remembers it," she said, "if that's any satisfaction." Something prompted me to take a bold step. "May I come and talk to you sometimes when I see you on deck?" I asked. "Please tell me straight out if you would rather I didn't." A troubled look came into her eyes, and for a moment she hesitated. "It isn't a question of what I should like," she said slowly. "You see, I have to think of my uncle. He is not at all well, and he has a very strong objection to our making any fresh acquaintances on board." I daresay my face showed what I thought of Señor de Roda, for she continued a little hastily: "You mustn't imagine that he is unkind or disagreeable. Indeed, in a way I--I agree with him. Please don't think me ungrateful, but it will be much the best if we just say good-bye now." There was something almost wistful in the way she spoke, which at once softened my resentment without in any way altering my disappointment. "Couldn't we split the difference?" I suggested. "Let me have one more talk with you, and then, if it's got to be good-bye, I'll try and say it as cheerfully as possible." There was a moment's pause. "Very well," she said. "I sometimes go up on deck for a few minutes before breakfast. If you care to come and talk to me to-morrow morning, please do." I took off my cap, and with a very slight bow she turned towards her cabin, leaving me standing there in a tangle of interesting, and, so far as I was concerned, quite novel emotions. I woke up to perceive Ross sauntering towards me, with his hands in his pockets and a mischievous twinkle in his grey eyes.