They were excited, their every nerve now stretched to the breaking, yet both were striving for self-control in the instant menace of this new peril confronting them. Neither knew just what they said or did; he bent over her; she lifted her face to his, closing her eyes as his lips touched her forehead. Then he went away swiftly, and she sprang to the floor and locked the stateroom door. The next moment the awful flare of a searchlight turned the room to a pit of silvery fire, and she cringed against the bed under the fierce white glory, covering her bloodless face with both hands. On deck, the Dutch captain, who was awaiting Guild at the companionway, came forward hastily and drew him aside. "They've boarded us already," he said; "there comes their lieutenant over the side. Tell me, Mr. Guild, are your papers in order and your conscience clear? Can I make a fight over this affair?" "I have no papers, but my conscience is in order. Don't let them take us if you can help it." "You have no papers?" "None that can help me or my wife." "Then it's no use fighting." "Fight all the same!" whispered Guild, as they both turned to meet the young naval officer who had just stepped aboard. He and the Dutch captain exchanged civilities stiffly, then Guild stepped forward into the lantern light. "Kervyn Guild!" exclaimed the slim young officer in surprise. "Is it _you_!" "Jamison!" ejaculated Guild, astonished. "Well this is lucky! I'm tremendously glad! I am indeed!" They exchanged a warm impulsive hand-clasp, smiled at each other--then the quick smile on the youthful lieutenant's features altered, and his face fell. "Guild," he said soberly, "I am afraid I shall have to inconvenience you and--your wife. I'm afraid I shall have to ask you to come aboard the _Wyvern_ with me. I'm sorry; I know it must inconvenience you fearfully----" "Jamison! We _can't_ go aboard your ship! What on earth are you thinking of?" "Orders," returned the young fellow gravely. "I've no discretion, you see." As by common consent they had stepped aside from the group of ships' officers and, standing in the shadow of a lifeboat, they now gazed at each other very seriously. Guild said: "There must be some mistake about this. I have no wife on board this boat." "Did you not board this boat in company with your wife?" asked Jamison in a low voice. "No." "Our information is otherwise." "Jamison, you know whether I am likely to lie to you. And I say to you on my word of honour that I did not come aboard this boat with my wife." "Is she not on board?" "She is not." Jamison said regretfully: "No good, old fellow. We know she is not your wife. But we want her. I think you had better prepare her to come with us." "Jamison, will you listen to me and believe me?" "Yes, of course." "Then, on my word of honour, the woman you have come to take from this ship is absolutely innocent of any--intentional--crime." "I take your word for it, Guild."