He grew calmer as the night passed on; firmer, too, and there was a quiet determination in his thoughts as he felt that some day Myra would know all that he had done, and perhaps, after all, happiness might be theirs. For hope came with the approach of day, and when at last the first pale dawn appeared in the east, and by degrees there was a delicious opalescent tint on the waves, where a soft breeze was slowly wafting away the mist, it was a calm, grave, thoughtful man, nerved to the day's task, who went forth with the knowledge that the people of the inn were already stirring, for, as he stepped out, a casement was opened, and the landlady greeted him with the customary _bon jour_. Stratton returned the greeting, and told her his requirements--a sailing boat and men to take him and his friends for a good long cruise. "Ah, yes!" said the landlady; "of course, and monsieur would pay them well,"--and at another time there were Jacques, and Jean, and Andre, and many more who would have been so glad--for it was going to be a day superb: look at the light on the water like the silver and sheen upon a mackerel, to prove her words--but the hands went out last night, and would not return in time from the fishing. "But was there no one else?" "Not a soul, monsieur. Why, there was a great nobleman--an old sea admiral--English, at the little chateau who had sent only last night, wanting a boat to sail with the beautiful ladies he had brought, one of whom was a stately old marquise, at least, with hair grey; but no, he could not have a boat for any money. Why could not monsieur take his sick friend for a beautiful long drive?" Stratton jumped at the proposal. "Yes; that would do," he said. "Then Guillaume should have the horse and chaise ready at any time monsieur chose to name." A sense of relief came over Stratton as he finished his arrangements. The car was to be waiting till the sick friend was brought over, and then they would start at once--after breakfast--no, perhaps sooner. It was to be ready for them to start at any time; for the invalid was capricious; and it was uncertain when they would come back. Stratton could do no more but wait. He dared not show himself for fear the admiral might be out early; and he shuddered at the idea of the old man strolling about on the sands and encountering Brettison and his charge. But he felt that his old friend would take care, and, going back to his rooms with the intention of forcing himself to wait patiently, he watched the sun rise in all its glory over the sea of fire, while the clouds and mists around were one blaze of effulgent hues. It was impossible to help a feeling of elation as nature smiled upon him full of hope and joy; and the determination to act manfully and well grew and grew in Stratton's breast as, in obedience to a thought, he went to where a glass hung in the passage of the little inn, and took it up to his window.