"I could not tell any difference," said Mr Denning, sadly, as we went right aft, to find the captain's cabin, right in the stern--the one through whose window I had climbed after my hazardous descent from the rigging--looking bright and cheerful, and hot coffee waiting for us, in company with sweet smiles and cheering words. It was wonderful. One minute I had been ready to give up and think that all was over; the next, as the hot drink sent a glow through me, I was ready to smile back at Miss Denning, and join her in persuading her brother to go to his cabin and change; while the very next minute Mr Brymer came down with a large bottle, and after hastily swallowing a cup of the coffee, he begged for a bottleful to carry up to the men at the wheel. "Is the storm still so bad, Mr Brymer?" asked Miss Denning, as the mate was about to hurry back on deck. "No," he said emphatically. "It's one of those gales which blow in a circle, and we're passing through it. The glass is rising, and in less than an hour I think it will begin to lull." This was joyful news, and I rose to hurry back so as to take the place of Mr Preddle. "You'll stay now, John," I heard Miss Denning say, and he answered her quite passionately. "Don't tempt me, Lena!" he cried. "I want to stay, but I want also to-- there, I will act like a man." I did not then understand him as I did afterwards, what a strange jealous hatred and dislike there was burning within him as he caught my arm, and held it tightly. "Help me quickly!" he whispered. "Take me back before my weakness masters me, and I break down." "But if you are so weak?" I said anxiously. "Take me forward!" he whispered angrily. "You cannot understand." I saw Miss Denning looking wonderingly at her brother as we went out, and again fought our way back to the forecastle-hatch, no easy task with the ship heeling over, and the spray flying as it did; but I felt hardened to it now, and the darkness did not appear so terrible, nor the danger so great, with the warm glow I felt spreading through me. Then I looked at my companion quite wonderingly, as I could just see his pale thin face, for he said quickly in a lull of the wind-- "I think I've conquered, Dale." "Conquered? It's wonderful how brave you have been." I saw him smile, and then wondered afresh that I could have seen the change in his face. "Why, it's getting light!" I said joyfully. I was quite right, and as we were in the tropics the change was coming rapidly. But just then we reached the watch, and to my surprise Mr Denning said as well as the rushing wind would let him-- "Mr Frewen, Mr Preddle, my sister has hot coffee ready, and will be glad if you can go at once." I saw Mr Frewen give quite a start, and Mr Preddle regularly jumped, but they were both so surprised that they could neither of them speak, while Mr Denning turned to Bob Hampton. "Your turn must be when they come back," he said.