"
"But you are so tired--"
"No more than you, I am sure. Why, I have done nothing except to stay
awake. You have had all the work and worry. It will not be long now."
"No; we shall know in a few minutes if the _Sea Gull_ is standing by
hunting us. If she shows up, you must do exactly as I say. You
promise that?"
"Of course," and the clasp of her hand tightened. "You have no reason
to doubt me."
The Lieutenant's eyes were on the widening sea line, and I bent down
and pressed my lips to her bare arm. I glanced up again into flushed
cheeks.
"It has been a great night," I said sincerely. "The one in all my life
best worth living through."
"I almost believe you mean that."
"Don't you?"
"Can you not read my answer in my eyes?"
"Craig," exclaimed the Lieutenant suddenly, "that must be the fellow
off there to port. Here, try the glasses--just where the cloud is
lifting a bit."
I was some time gaining the proper focus, but when I once had the
distant vessel caught fairly in the lens, I recognized her instantly.
"That's the _Sea Gull_, and, by heavens, they are keeping a sharp
lookout on board. See! she is swinging on her heel already; they've
sighted us."
He grasped the glass, and stared out through it in silence for several
minutes.
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