Evening Dew was a delicious child of seventeen at most, in whom the two races, white and red, of both which she was the issue, seemed to have vied which should produce the most wondrous chef d'oeuvre. Her elegant and slight form, slightly bent forward with that serpentine undulation which belongs to American women, her long hair, black as the raven's wing, fell almost to her feet, and when loosened, might have served her as a cloak. Her complexion had the golden tint of the daughters of the sun; her great blue and dreamy eyes were fringed by long velvet lashes; her mouth, revealing her vermilion lips, and a row of dazzling white teeth, gave to her physiognomy that rare expression scarcely ever found except in some virgin of Titian. The sailor was dazzled at the really marvellous beauty of the young girl. He had no idea that the whole continent of America could have produced such a fairy. The captain smiled at her reply. "Evening Dew has no master here. She is with friends who will protect her," he said, heartily. "Friends!" she cried, clasping her hands together, while the pearly tears went down her cheeks; "Is it possible?" "I swear to you, young girl," he continued, "that what I say is true. I have sent for you to apologise for what has happened, to demand forgiveness for your cruel abduction." "Oh, sir," she cried, in excellent French, "oh, sir, can I really believe my ears! Is it true?" "You would insult me by disbelieving," he replied, in the same language; "tomorrow you will be with your friends." "Thank you, sir, from my soul," she sobbed forth. And before the captain could prevent her--before he suspected her intention, the was on her knees kissing his hand. Tom Mitchell respectfully raised her from the ground and led her to the chair she had once refused. "Then you are very unhappy here?" he asked. "Oh, yes," she cried, "I have indeed been very unhappy; how, in fact, could I be otherwise?" "And yet," said the captain, with a frown, "I have given the most strict orders with regard to your treatment." "I beg most earnestly to acknowledge, sir, that I have been treated in the most honourable fashion, that I have been surrounded by the most delicate attentions. But oh, sir, I was a prisoner, alas! Far away from those I love, and whom my absence plunges, like myself, in utter despair." "Pardon me, miss," said the chief, "my wrong towards you will soon be repaired, I promise you." "Then you are good indeed!" "Tomorrow," he added, with considerable emotion, "you shall be restored to the bosom of your family." "Do that, sir," she cried, "and I will love you. Ever after you shall be as a brother to me." "I will endeavour to merit the title, Miss Angela," he said, softly; "henceforth you will no longer curse me." "Curse you who give me back to those I love! No, I will bless you from the bottom of my heart," she cried, earnestly, "and, believe me, God will amply reward you."