The daily Alaskan., 1919-05-31
aow's that, Captain ?

your collar. We cast off when yer went overheard, and cruised about in the fog hunting fer yer. Who was 1t yer was tightin' with, sir?" 'LeVere." That's what I told the lads. He's a gonner, reckon?'
 'I never saw him after we sank. Are all the men here|
 Al but those in the forward boat, sir. They got away furst, an we ain't had no sight ov 'em since. Maybe we will when It gets daylight. Harwood's in charge. l give him compass, an told him ter steer west. Wus thet right?"
 "All could have told him. haven't had an observation, and 1t is all guess work. l know the American coast lies to that direction, but that Is about all. l couldn't tell if 1t be hundred, or hundred and fifty miles away. must have been in bad shape when you pulled me in?"
 We thought you was gone, sir. You was bleedin' some, too, but only from flesh wounds. The young lady she just wouldn't let yer die. She worked over yer for two or three hours, sir, afore I he'd any hope"
 Her eyes were dOwncast and her face turned away, but l reached out my hand and clasped her fingers. The mystery of the night and ocean was in her motionleSs posture. Only as her hand gently pressed mine did gain courage, with knowledge that she recognized and welcomed my pres enCe.
 Watkins says I owe my life to you" :" said. so low the words were scarcely audible above the dash of water alongside. Tt will make that life more valuable than ever before"
 Sfe turned her head and felt her eyes searching the dim outline of my face Questioningly.
 "Of course l did everything knew" she replied. "Why should not? You are here, Captain Carlyle, for my sake; I owe you service"
 And must I be content merely with that thought?" l urged, far from pleased. This would mean that your only interest in me arises from grati- tude."
 "And friendship" her voice as conf dential as my own. "There is no req son why you should doubt that surely"
 Tt uld be easier for me to under stand, but for the memory of what ana bond slave"
 Your meaning Is that true friend ship has as basis equalIty?"
 Does it not? Can real friendship exist OtherWise|
 "No," she acknowledged gravely. And the fact that such friendship does exist between us evidences my faith In you. l have never felt this social distinction. Captain Carlyle, have given 1t no thought. This may seem strange to you, yet Is most nat ural. You bear an honorable name, and belong to family of gentlemen. You held position of command, won by your own efforts. You bore the part of a man in revolution; If guilty of any crime, 1t was political one, In no way sullying your honor. l have every reason to believe you were false ly accused and convicted. Consequent ly that conviction does not exist be- tween US; you are not my unCle'S sery- ant, but my friend-yOu understand me nowN
 "And you would actually have ne speak with you as of your own class free man, worthy 10 claim your friendship in lifeT
 "Yes," frankly, her face uplifted. "Why should t be otherwise? No man could have done more, Or proved him self more stanch and true. We are in danger yet. but such peril is nothing compared with whut l have escaped. l feel that your skill and courage will bring us safely to land, I am no long CT afraid, for I have learned to trust 
 you. You possess my entire cont- dence."
 But do you understand fully?" l questioned anxiously. Al have done for you would have been done for any other woman under the same condi- tions Of danger. Such service to an other would have been a duty, and no more. But to be with you. aiding and protecting, has been, delight, joy. I have served Dorothy Fairfax for her own sake-nOt as I would any other"
 Did you not suppose knewi' Her glance flashed into mine through the star-gleam, with sudden message of reyealment.
 You knew-that-that 1t was you personally Seryed?"
 "Of course l knew. A woman is never unaware of such things. Now, if ever, l must tell you the truth. know you care for me, and have cared since first We met. An interest no less fnteful has led ne to seek your ac- quaintance. and give you my aid. Sure ly it is not unmaidenly for me 10 con- fess this when We face the chance of death tOgether?"
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