“I might have suspected something when you said all those nice things to me,” said the mollified lady. “Well, you must take your chance, like all the rest of them. She can only say ‘No,’ again. It’ll explain this affair better, that’s one thing; but I expect they’ll laugh at you.” “I don’t care,” said the mate stoutly. “You’re on my side, ain’t you?” Mrs. Jansell laughed, and the mate, having succeeded beyond his hopes in the establishment of amicable relations, went about his duties with a light heart. By the time they reached Boston the morning was far advanced, and after the _Gem_ was comfortably berthed he obtained permission of the skipper to accompany the fair passenger to London, beguiling the long railway journey by every means in his power. Despite his efforts, however, the journey began to pall upon his companion, and it was not until evening was well advanced that they found themselves in the narrow streets of Limehouse. “We’ll see how the land lies first,” said he, as they approached the wharf and made their way cautiously on to the quay. The _Aquila_ was still alongside, and the mate’s heart thumped violently as he saw the cause of all the trouble sitting alone on the deck. She rose with a little start as her mother stepped carefully aboard, and, running to her, kissed her affectionately, and sat her down on the hatches. “Poor mother,” she said caressingly. “What did you bring that lunatic back with you for?” “He would come,” said Mrs. Jansell. “Hush! here comes your father.” The master of the _Aquila_ came on deck as she spoke, and walking slowly up to the group, stood sternly regarding them. Under his gaze the mate breathlessly reeled off his tale, noticing with somewhat mixed feelings the widening grin of his listener as he proceeded. “Well, you’re a lively sort o’ man,” said the skipper as he finished. “In one day you tie up your own ship, run off with my wife, and lose us a tide. Are you always like that?” “I want somebody to look after me, I s’pose,” said the mate, with a side glance at Nancy. “Well, we’d put you up for the night,” said the skipper, with his arm round his wife’s shoulders; “but you’re such a chap. I’m afraid you’d burn the ship down, or something. What do you think, old girl?” “I think we’ll try him this once,” said his wife. “And now I’ll go down and see about supper; I want it.” The old couple went below, and the young one remained on deck. Nancy went and leaned against the side; and as she appeared to have quite forgotten his presence, the mate, after some hesitation, joined her. “Hadn’t you better go down and get some supper?” she asked. “I’d sooner stay here, if you don’t mind,” said the mate. “I like watching the lights going up and down; I could stay here for hours.” “I’ll leave you, then,” said the girl; “I’m hungry.” She tripped lightly off with a smothered laugh, leaving the fairly-trapped man gazing indignantly at the lights which had lured him to destruction.