"And now," said the captain as his face resumed its cheerful expression, "I must make a trip below. When you see me on the bridge again, come up and make that explanation which Mr. Strong said you were able to do. I shall be mighty glad to listen to you." Chester protested, but the captain would not hear it. "I'll be up in the course of half an hour," said the seaman. "Promise me you'll come?" "Of course, if you really wish it?" "I was never more earnest in my life. My boy, let me tell you something'. I have listened at times to your conversation on religious themes--you and Lucy have talked when I could not help hearing--and I want to hear more--I believe you have a message for me." There was a smile on the captain's face as he hurried away. And Chester's heart also arose and was comforted, as he lingered for a few moments on the deck and then joined Lucy and his father. CHAPTER XX. In blissful ignorance of any danger, the passengers and most of the crew went the daily round of pleasure or duty. The games on deck, the smoking and card-playing in the gentlemen's room, the sleeping and the eating all went on uninterrupted. Captain Brown, though quieter than usual, was as pleasant and thoughtful as ever. The sea was smooth, the weather fine, and the ship plowed on her course with no visible indication that she was slowly being crippled. Lucy had for her use, one of the largest and best ventilated rooms in the ship. It was so pleasant there, that she spent much of her time in its seclusiveness. It is needless to state that Chester shared that comfort and seclusion. Reading, talking, building castles which reached into the heavens, these two basked in the warm light of a perfect love. After a little buffeting about in worldly storms, two hearts had come to rest; and how penetratingly sweet was that serene peace of soul. In him she saw her highest ideals realized, her fondest hopes and dreams come true. In her he found the composite perfectness of woman. All his visions from early youth to the present materialized in the sweet face, gentle spirit and pure soul of Lucy Strong! Chester, the day after Captain Brown had told him about the condition of the ship, found Lucy in her room. She was not well, the father had said, so Chester sought her out. She was reclining on the couch. His heart, burdened with what he knew melted towards the girl. He drew a stool up to her, and kissed his good-morning. "Not so well today?" he asked. "No; my heart has been troubling me all night; but I'm better now." "Now, see here, my girl, I'm the one that ought to be ill." "How's that?" she smiled at him. "Have we not exchanged hearts?" "Oh, I see. Yes; but the strength only went with mine. The weakness I retained. It would not have been fair otherwise." She sat up and pushed back her hair. He seated himself near her and drew her in his arm. He held her close.