THE ADMIRAL’S COMPANY 51

dim ; Nick was young, and his yellow hair was very curly.
Carew could hear the faint breath murmuring through
the boy’s lips as he prayed, and while he stared at the little
white figure his mouth twitched in a queer way. But he
tossed his head, and muttered to himself, “What, Gaston
Carew, turning soft? Nay, nay. Ill do it—on my soul,
I will!” rolled into bed, and was soon fast asleep.

As for Nick, what with the excitement of the day, the
dazzling fancies in his brain, his tired legs, the weird night
noises in the town, and strange, tremendous dreams, he
scarce could get to sleep at all; but toward morning he
fell into a refreshing doze, and did not wake until the town
was loud with May.