I presently indeed encountered, on the spot, a need for any I
might have at call, since, just as I was on the point of going below
again, after several restless turns and--within the limit where smoking
was allowed--as many puffs at a cigar as I cared for, I became aware of a
couple of figures settled together behind one of the lifeboats that
rested on the deck. They were so placed as to be visible only to a
person going close to the rail and peering a little sidewise. I don't
think I peered, but as I stood a moment beside the rail my eye was
attracted by a dusky object that protruded beyond the boat and that I saw
at a second glance to be the tail of a lady's dress. I bent forward an
instant, but even then I saw very little more; that scarcely mattered
however, as I easily concluded that the persons tucked away in so snug a
corner were Jasper Nettlepoint and Mr. Porterfield's intended. Tucked
away was the odious right expression, and I deplored the fact so betrayed
for the pitiful bad taste in it. I immediately turned away, and the next
moment found myself face to face with our vessel's skipper. I had
already had some conversation with him--he had been so good as to invite
me, as he had invited Mrs. Nettlepoint and her son and the young lady
travelling with them, and also Mrs.
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