"
His heart jumped with gladness. Elsie was awaiting him at the foot of
the companion. Be sure he was by her side without needless delay. The
dog wriggled in her arms, so she said:
"I don't think he ought to run about. His dear little paw is rather
badly cut, and there may be more broken glass on the deck."
"I hope not, for our Chileans' sake," laughed Courtenay. "I heard Mr.
Boyle telling them to sweep it up, and they were hard at work when I
went to my cabin."
"Oh, is that where you hid yourself? No wonder I could not find you.
Of course, Joey knew where you were. How stupid of me!"
"Please don't call yourself names, Elsie. You don't deserve them.
And, by the way, may I address you by your Christian name? It slipped
out to-day unawares. Not that I feel like apologizing, because I
don't. There are times when the heart speaks, not the guarded tongue."
Luckily, the darkness covered the hot blush which leaped to her cheeks.
She gave a nervous little laugh, and strove desperately to parry this
wholly unexpected assault.
"I shall be delighted if you always call me Elsie.
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