154 THE BOY CAPTAIN.

while the young lady was on deck; but in this he did not
succeed very well.

Miss Dunham understood that he was anxious, as well
he might be, and soon she was looking quite as troubled
as either of the officers.

After remaining on deck an hour or more, Miss Dun-
ham realised that it would be better for her to go below.
Both Ben and the first officer were evidently ill at ease,
but trying to repress their feelings in her presence, and
assuming the cheeriest tone possible under the circum-
stances, she said, as Ben went toward the companionway,
for the purpose of looking at the barometer again :

“T think I’ll go with you, captain, if you will help me
down the stairs. Perhaps it is as well that I should be
below out of the way.”

“Tt will be safer, at all events,” Ben said, not intending
to allow the relief which he felt to be apparent in his
tones. It is impossible to decide just when the storm
will burst, and we shall probably have our hands full
when it does come. I am selfish, however, in thinking
only of myself, for I know how lonely it must be for you
down here alone.”

«There is no reason why you should think of me at all.
You have enough on your mind without anything like
that. But give the little brig all the credit that is due
her; I am positive she will ride out anything which may
come, in safety, for I have seen her too many times in a
storm to have any distrust of her sea-going qualities.”

“JT don't trouble myself about that; in fact, there is