In the deserted saloon a steward brought her zwieback and coffee, and after she had eaten she went on deck carrying a handful of bread with which to feed the gulls. She was standing in the stern, looking out over the narrowing foamy wake, and throwing the bits of crust to the hungry birds, watching them wheel and plunge and seize the tempting morsel, while those who caught nothing vented their displeasure in angry squawks, when Captain Petersen joined her. He slyly stole up behind her and pinched her rosy cheek with a "Hey, now, what's our young lady doing about so early? Stealing bread, too! Dear, dear that will never do!" Ragna turned laughing to meet the mock reproof. "Well, what do you think of the old man now? Haven't I managed to give you pleasant company for the voyage, little one? A real prince, too, not many would have pulled that off for you! And you know how to keep him entertained!" He shook his finger at her. "Don't think that because I was cooped up on the bridge all day, I didn't see anything that was going on, Miss Sly-boots!" He laughed uproariously, and Ragna glanced apprehensively back over the deck to assure herself that no one was within hearing. "What did you see, Captain Petersen?" she asked. "I am sure there was nothing extraordinary, and it was you who asked me to entertain His Highness!" "So I did," roared the Captain, "so I did, and the little Minx must needs set her cap at him as well--and capture him, horse, guns and foot! A little lass just out of a convent at that!" Ragna was much embarrassed by this well-meaning banter, and in terror lest he should revive the subject in the Prince's presence--if that were to happen she would surely die of shame! "Captain Petersen," she said, "I have never set my cap at anyone, please don't say such things! The Prince is very kind to take any notice of a little girl like me, and he must find me very simple after the ladies he sees in society. Do be good, Captain Petersen, don't tease me again please, I don't like it! I think I will go down now and write some letters and my diary." Captain Petersen shook with laughter. "And so it is a child and not a young lady at all, in spite of its long skirts, and _it_ doesn't like to be teased about Princes--and _it_ thinks it will run away and write to be rid of me!" Then as he saw tears of vexation rise in Ragna's eyes he realized that he had gone too far and like the gentleman he was, hastened to apologize. "There, there, my dear, forgive an old sea-dog his joke! I meant nothing by it, but if you don't like it we won't say any more. I may be a bit rough and ready, my dear, and I'm not used to turning compliments and dancing on carpets, but I wouldn't hurt you for the world."