"More than an acknowledgment," cried the young girl; "a lasting friendship!"
And immediately she left the cabin to find James Playfair, and express to him the sentiments which flowed from her heart.
"Getting on by degrees," muttered the American.
James Playfair was pacing to and fro on the poop, and, as may be thought, he was very much surprised, not to say amazed, to see the young girl go up to him, her eyes moist with grateful tears, and holding out her hand to him saying,—
"Thank you, sir, thank you for your kindness, which I should never have dared to expect from a stranger."
"Miss," replied the Captain, as if he understood nothing of what she was talking, and could not understand, "I do not know—"
"Nevertheless, sir, you are going to brave many dangers, perhaps compromise your interests for me, and you have done so much already in offering me on board an hospitality to which I have no right whatever—"
"Pardon me, Miss Jenny," interrupted James Playfair, "but I protest again I do not understand your words; I have acted towards you as any well-bred man would towards a lady, and my conduct deserves neither so many thanks nor so much gratitude."
