第7章

Hewasdisconcertedsomewhatbyherwhite，stillface，thebiglightvioleteyesrestingonhimstonily。Shehadnotutteredasound。Shefacedhim，steadyingherselfonthecornerofthepianowithoneextendedhand。Theotherwentonrubbingwithmechanicalpersistencytheplacehislipshadtouched。

"What’sthetrouble？"hesaid，offended。"Startledyou？Lookhere：don’tletushaveanyofthatnonsense。Youdon’tmeantosayakissfrightensyousomuchasallthat……Iknowbetter……Idon’tmeantobeleftoutinthecold。"

Hehadbeengazingintoherfacewithsuchstrainedintentnessthathecouldnolongerseeitdistinctly。Everythingroundhimwasrathermisty。Heforgottheoverturnedstool，caughthisfootagainstit，andlurchedforwardslightly，sayinginaningratiatingtone：

"I’mnotbadfun，really。Youtryafewkissestobeginwith—"

Hesaidnomore，becausehisheadreceivedaterrificconcussion，accompaniedbyanexplosivesound。Freyahadswungherround，strongarmwithsuchforcethattheimpactofheropenpalmonhisflatcheekturnedhimhalfround。Utteringafaint，hoarseyell，thelieutenantclappedbothhishandstotheleftsideofhisface，whichhadtakenonsuddenlyaduskybrick—redtinge。Freya，veryerect，hervioleteyesdarkened，herpalmstilltinglingfromtheblow，asortofrestraineddeterminedsmileshowingatinygleamofherwhiteteeth，heardherfather’srapid，heavytreadonthepathbelowtheverandah。Herexpressionlostitspugnacityandbecamesincerelyconcerned。Shewassorryforherfather。Shestoopedquicklytopickupthemusic—stool，asifanxioustoobliteratethetraces……Butthatwasnogood。Shehadresumedherattitude，onehandrestinglightlyonthepiano，beforeoldNelsongotuptothetopofthestairs。

Poorfather！Howfurioushewillbe—howupset！Andafterwards，whattremors，whatunhappiness！Whyhadshenotbeenopenwithhimfromthefirst？Hisround，innocentstareofamazementcuthertothequick。Buthewasnotlookingather。HisstarewasdirectedtoHeemskirk，who，withhisbacktohimandwithhishandsstilluptohisface，washissingcursesthroughhisteeth，and（shesawhiminprofile）glaringatherbalefullywithoneblack，evileye。

"What’sthematter？"askedoldNelson，verymuchbewildered。

Shedidnotanswerhim。ShethoughtofJasperonthedeckofthebrig，gazingupatthelightedbungalow，andshefeltfrightened。

Itwasamercythatoneofthematleastwasonboardoutoftheway。Sheonlywishedhewereahundredmilesoff。Andyetshewasnotcertainthatshedid。HadJasperbeenmysteriouslymovedthatmomenttoreappearontheverandahshewouldhavethrownherconsistency，herfirmness，herself—possession，tothewinds，andflownintohisarms。

"Whatisit？Whatisit？"insistedtheunsuspectingNelson，gettingquiteexcited。"Onlythisminuteyouwereplayingatune，and—"

Freya，unabletospeakinherapprehensionofwhatwascoming（shewasalsofascinatedbythatblack，evil，glaringeye），onlynoddedslightlyatthelieutenant，asmuchastosay："Justlookathim！"

"Why，yes！"exclaimedoldNelson。"Isee。Whatonearth—"

MeantimehehadcautiouslyapproachedHeemskirk，who，burstingintoincoherentimprecations，wasstampingwithbothfeetwherehestood。Theindignityoftheblow，therageofbaffledpurpose，theridiculeoftheexposure，andtheimpossibilityofrevengemaddenedhimtoapointwhenhesimplyfelthemusthowlwithfury。

"Oh，oh，oh！"hehowled，stampingacrosstheverandahasthoughhemeanttodrivehisfootthroughthefloorateverystep。

"Why，ishisfacehurt？"askedtheastoundedoldNelson。Thetruthdawnedsuddenlyuponhisinnocentmind。"Dearme！"hecried，enlightened。"Getsomebrandy，quick，Freya……Youaresubjecttoit，lieutenant？Fiendish，eh？Iknow，Iknow！Usedtogocrazyallofasuddenmyselfinthetime……Andthelittlebottleoflaudanumfromthemedicine—chest，too，Freya。Looksharp……Don’tyouseehe’sgotatoothache？"

And，indeed，whatotherexplanationcouldhavepresenteditselftotheguilelessoldNelson，beholdingthischeeknursedwithbothhands，thesewildglances，thesestampings，thisdistractedswayingofthebody？Itwouldhavedemandedapreternaturalacutenesstohituponthetruecause。Freyahadnotmoved。ShewatchedHeemskirk’ssavagelyinquiring，blackstaredirectedstealthilyuponherself。"Aha，youwouldliketobeletoff！"shesaidtoherself。Shelookedathimunflinchingly，thinkingitout。Thetemptationofmakinganendofitallwithoutfurthertroublewasirresistible。Shegaveanalmostimperceptiblenodofassent，andglidedaway。

"Hurryupthatbrandy！"oldNelsonshouted，asshedisappearedinthepassage。

HeemskirkrelievedhisdeeperfeelingsbyasuddenstringofcursesinDutchandEnglishwhichhesentafterher。Heravedtohisheart’scontent，flingingtoandfrotheverandahandkickingchairsoutofhisway；whileNelson（orNielsen），whosesympathywasprofoundlystirredbytheseevidencesofagonisingpain，hoveredroundhisdear（anddreaded）lieutenant，fussinglikeanoldhen。

"Dearme，dearme！Isitsobad？Iknowwellwhatitis。Iusedtofrightenmypoorwifesometimes。Doyougetitoftenlikethis，lieutenant？"

Heemskirkshoulderedhimviciouslyoutofhisway，withashort，insanelaugh。Buthisstaggeringhosttookitingoodpart；amanbesidehimselfwithexcruciatingtoothacheisnotresponsible。

"Gointomyroom，lieutenant，"hesuggestedurgently。"Throwyourselfonmybed。Wewillgetsomethingtoeaseyouinaminute。"

Heseizedthepoorsuffererbythearmandforcedhimgentlyonwardstotheverybed，onwhichHeemskirk，inarenewedaccessofrage，flunghimselfdownwithsuchforcethathereboundedfromthemattresstotheheightofquiteafoot。

"Dearme！"exclaimedthescaredNelson，andincontinentlyranofftohurryupthebrandyandthelaudanum，veryangrythatsolittlealacritywasshowninrelievingthetorturesofhispreciousguest。

Intheendhegotthesethingshimself。

Halfanhourlaterhestoodintheinnerpassageofthehouse，surprisedbyfaint，spasmodicsoundsofamysteriousnature，betweenlaughterandsobs。Hefrowned；thenwentstraighttowardshisdaughter’sroomandknockedatthedoor。

Freya，hergloriousfairhairframingherwhitefaceandripplingdownadark—bluedressing—gown，openeditpartly。

Thelightintheroomwasdim。Antonia，crouchinginacorner，rockedherselfbackwardsandforwards，utteringfeeblemoans。OldNelsonhadnotmuchexperienceinvariouskindsoffemininelaughter，buthewascertaintherehadbeenlaughterthere。

"Veryunfeeling，veryunfeeling！"hesaid，withweightydispleasure。"Whatistheresoamusinginamanbeinginpain？I

shouldhavethoughtawoman—ayounggirl—"

"Hewassofunny，"murmuredFreya，whoseeyesglistenedstrangelyinthesemi—obscurityofthepassage。"Andthen，youknow，Idon’tlikehim，"sheadded，inanunsteadyvoice。

"Funny！"repeatedoldNelson，amazedatthisevidenceofcallousnessinonesoyoung。"Youdon’tlikehim！Doyoumeantosaythat，becauseyoudon’tlikehim，you—Why，it’ssimplycruel！

Don’tyouknowit’sabouttheworstsortofpainthereis？Dogshavebeenknowntogomadwithit。"

"Hecertainlyseemedtohavegonemad，"Freyasaidwithaneffort，asifshewerestrugglingwithsomehiddenfeeling。

Butherfatherwaslaunched。

"Andyouknowhowheis。Henoticeseverything。Heisafellowtotakeoffencefortheleastlittlething—regularDutchman—andI

wanttokeepfriendlywithhim。It’slikethis，mygirl：ifthatrajahofoursweretodosomethingsilly—andyouknowheisasulky，rebelliousbeggar—andtheauthoritiestookintotheirheadsthatmyinfluenceoverhimwasn’tgood，youwouldfindyourselfwithoutaroofoveryourhead—"

Shecried："Whatnonsense，father！"inanotveryassuredtone，anddiscoveredthathewasangry，angryenoughtoachieveirony；

yes，oldNelson（orNielsen），irony！Justagleamofit。

"Oh，ofcourse，ifyouhavemeansofyourown—amansion，aplantationthatIknownothingof—"Buthewasnotcapableofsustainedirony。"Itellyoutheywouldbundlemeoutofhere，"hewhisperedforcibly；"withoutcompensation，ofcourse。IknowtheseDutch。Andthelieutenant’sjustthefellowtostartthetroublegoing。Hehastheearofinfluentialofficials。Iwouldn’toffendhimforanything—foranything—onnoconsiderationwhatever……Whatdidyousay？"

Itwasonlyaninarticulateexclamation。Ifsheeverhadahalf—

formedintentionoftellinghimeverythingshehadgivenitupnow。

Itwasimpossible，bothoutofregardforhisdignityandforthepeaceofhispoormind。

"Idon’tcareforhimmyselfverymuch，"oldNelson’ssubduedundertoneconfessedinasigh。"He’seasiernow，"hewenton，afterasilence。"I’vegivenhimupmybedforthenight。Ishallsleeponmyverandah，inthehammock。No；Ican’tsayIlikehimeither，butfromthattolaughatamanbecausehe’sdrivencrazywithpainisalongway。You’vesurprisedme，Freya。Thatsideofhisfaceisquiteflushed。"

Hershouldersshookconvulsivelyunderhishands，whichhelaidonherpaternally。Hisstraggly，wirymoustachebrushedherforeheadinagood—nightkiss。Sheclosedthedoor，andwentawayfromittothemiddleoftheroombeforesheallowedherselfatired—outsortoflaugh，withoutbuoyancy。

"Flushed！Alittleflushed！"sherepeatedtoherself。"Ihopeso，indeed！Alittle—"

Hereyelasheswerewet。Antonia，inhercorner，moanedandgiggled，anditwasimpossibletotellwherethemoansendedandthegigglesbegan。

Themistressandthemaidhadbeensomewhathysterical，forFreya，onfleeingintoherroom，hadfoundAntoniathere，andhadtoldhereverything。

"Ihaveavengedyou，mygirl，"sheexclaimed。

Andthentheyhadlaughinglycriedandcryinglylaughedwithadmonitions—"Ssh，notsoloud！Bequiet！"ononepart，andinterludesof"Iamsofrightened……He’sanevilman，"ontheother。

AntoniawasverymuchafraidofHeemskirk。Shewasafraidofhimbecauseofhispersonalappearance：becauseofhiseyesandhiseyebrows，andhismouthandhisnoseandhislimbs。Nothingcouldbemorerational。Andshethoughthimanevilman，because，tohereyes，helookedevil。Nogroundforanopinioncouldbesounder。

Inthedimnessoftheroom，withonlyanightlightburningattheheadofFreya’sbed，thecameristacreptoutofhercornertocrouchatthefeetofhermistress，supplicatinginwhispers：

"There’sthebrig。CaptainAllen。Letusrunawayatonce—oh，letusrunaway！Iamsofrightened。Letus！Letus！"

"I！Runaway！"thoughtFreyatoherself，withoutlookingdownatthescaredgirl。"Never。"

Boththeresolutemistressunderthemosquito—netandthefrightenedmaidlyingcurleduponamatatthefootofthebeddidnotsleepverywellthatnight。ThepersonthatdidnotsleepatallwasLieutenantHeemskirk。Helayonhisbackstaringvindictivelyinthedarkness。Inflamingimagesandhumiliatingreflectionssucceededeachotherinhismind，keepingup，augmentinghisanger。Aprettytalethistogetabout！Butitmustnotbeallowedtogetabout。Theoutragehadtobeswallowedinsilence。Aprettyaffair！Fooled，ledon，andstruckbythegirl—andprobablyfooledbythefather，too。Butno。Nielsenwasbutanothervictimofthatshamelesshussy，thatbrazenminx，thatsly，laughing，kissing，lying……

"No；hedidnotdeceivemeonpurpose，"thoughtthetormentedlieutenant。"ButIshouldliketopayhimoff，allthesame，forbeingsuchanimbecile—"

Well，someday，perhaps。Onethinghewasfirmlyresolvedon：hehadmadeuphismindtostealearlyoutofthehouse。Hedidnotthinkhecouldfacethegirlwithoutgoingoutofhismindwithfury。

"Fireandperdition！Tenthousanddevils！Ishallchokeherebeforethemorning！"hemutteredtohimself，lyingrigidonhisbackonoldNelson’sbed，hisbreastheavingforair。

Hearoseatdaylightandstartedcautiouslytoopenthedoor。

Faintsoundsinthepassagealarmedhim，andremainingconcealedhesawFreyacomingout。Thisunexpectedsightdeprivedhimofallpowertomoveawayfromthecrackofthedoor。Itwasthenarrowestcrackpossible，butcommandingtheviewoftheendoftheverandah。Freyamadeforthatendhastilytowatchthebrigpassingthepoint。Sheworeherdarkdressing—gown；herfeetwerebare，because，havingfallenasleeptowardsthemorning，sheranoutheadlonginherfearofbeingtoolate。Heemskirkhadneverseenherlookinglikethis，withherhairdrawnbacksmoothlytotheshapeofherhead，andhanginginoneheavy，fairtressdownherback，andwiththatairofextremeyouth，intensity，andeagerness。Andatfirsthewasamazed，andthenhegnashedhisteeth。Hecouldnotfaceheratall。Hemutteredacurse，andkeptstillbehindthedoor。

Withalow，deep—breathed"Ah！"whenshefirstsawthebrigalreadyunderway，shereachedforNelson’slongglassreposingonbracketshighupthewall。Thewidesleeveofthedressing—gownslippedback，uncoveringherwhitearmasfarastheshoulder。Heemskirkgrippingthedoor—handle，asiftocrushit，feltlikeamanjustrisentohisfeetfromadrinkingbout。

AndFreyaknewthathewaswatchingher。Sheknew。Shehadseenthedoormoveasshecameoutofthepassage。Shewasawareofhiseyesbeingonher，withscornfulbitterness，withtriumphantcontempt。

"Youarethere，"shethought，levellingthelongglass。"Oh，well，lookon，then！"

Thegreenisletsappearedlikeblackshadows，theashenseawassmoothasglass，theclearrobeofthecolourlessdawn，inwhicheventhebrigappearedshadowy，hadahemoflightintheeast。

DirectlyFreyahadmadeoutJasperondeck，withhisownlongglassdirectedtothebungalow，shelaidhersdownandraisedbothherbeautifulwhitearmsaboveherhead。Inthatattitudeofsupremecryshestoodstill，glowingwiththeconsciousnessofJasper’sadorationgoingouttoherfigureheldinthefieldofhisglassawaythere，andwarmed，too，bythefeelingofevilpassion，theburning，covetouseyesoftheother，fastenedonherback。Inthefervourofherlove，inthecapriceofhermind，andwiththatmysteriousknowledgeofmasculinenaturewomenseemtobebornto，shethought：

"Youarelookingon—youwill—youmust！Thenyoushallseesomething。"

Shebroughtbothherhandstoherlips，thenflungthemout，sendingakissoverthesea，asifshewantedtothrowherheartalongwithitonthedeckofthebrig。Herfacewasrosy，hereyesshone。Herrepeated，passionategestureseemedtoflingkissesbythehundredagainandagainandagain，whiletheslowlyascendingsunbroughtthegloryofcolourtotheworld，turningtheisletsgreen，theseablue，thebrigbelowherwhite—dazzlinglywhiteinthespreadofherwings—withtheredensignstreaminglikeatinyflamefromthepeak。

Andeachtimeshemurmuredwitharisinginflexion：

"Takethis—andthis—andthis—"tillsuddenlyherarmsfell。

Shehadseentheensigndippedinresponse，andnextmomentthepointbelowhidthehullofthebrigfromherview。Thensheturnedawayfromthebalustrade，and，passingslowlybeforethedoorofherfather’sroomwithhereyelidslowered，andanenigmaticexpressiononherface，shedisappearedbehindthecurtain。

Butinsteadofgoingalongthepassage，sheremainedconcealedandverystillontheothersidetowatchwhatwouldhappen。Forsometimethebroad，furnishedverandahremainedempty。ThenthedoorofoldNelson’sroomcameopensuddenly，andHeemskirkstaggeredout。Hishairwasrumpled，hiseyesbloodshot，hisunshavenfacelookedverydark。Hegazedwildlyabout，sawhiscaponatable，snatcheditup，andmadeforthestairsquietly，butwithastrange，totteringgait，likethelasteffortofwaningstrength。

Shortlyafterhisheadhadsunkbelowthelevelofthefloor，Freyacameoutfrombehindthecurtain，withcompressed，scheminglips，andnosoftnessatallinherluminouseyes。Hecouldnotbeallowedtosneakoffscotfree。Never—never！Shewasexcited，shetingledallover，shehadtastedblood！Hemustbemadetounderstandthatshehadbeenawareofhavingbeenwatched；hemustknowthathehadbeenseenslinkingoffshamefully。Buttoruntothefrontrailandshoutafterhimwouldhavebeenchildish，crude—undignified。Andtoshout—what？Whatword？Whatphrase？No；

itwasimpossible。Thenhow？……Shefrowned，discoveredit，dashedatthepiano，whichhadstoodopenallnight，andmadetherosewoodmonstergrowlsavageryinanirritatedbass。Shestruckchordsasiffiringshotsafterthatstraddling，broadfigureinamplewhitetrousersandadarkuniformjacketwithgoldshoulder—

straps，andthenshepursuedhimwiththesamethingshehadplayedtheeveningbefore—amodern，fiercepieceoflovemusicwhichhadbeentriedmorethanonceagainstthethunderstormsofthegroup。

Sheaccentuateditsrhythmwithtriumphantmalice，soabsorbedinherpurposethatshedidnotnoticethepresenceofherfather，who，wearinganoldthreadbareulsterofacheckpatternoverhissleepingsuit，hadrunoutfromthebackverandahtoinquirethereasonofthisuntimelyperformance。Hestaredather。

"Whatonearth？……Freya！"Hisvoicewasnearlydrownedbythepiano。"What’sbecomeofthelieutenant？"heshouted。

Shelookedupathimasifhersoulwerelostinhermusic，withunseeingeyes。

"Gone。"

"Wha—a—t？……Where？"

Sheshookherheadslightly，andwentonplayinglouderthanbefore。OldNelson’sinnocentlyanxiousgazestartingfromtheopendoorofhisroom，exploredthewholeplacehighandlow，asifthelieutenantweresomethingsmallwhichmighthavebeencrawlingonthefloororclingingtoawall。Butashrillwhistlecomingsomewherefrombelowpiercedtheamplevolumeofsoundrollingoutofthepianoingreat，vibratingwaves。Thelieutenantwasdownatthecove，whistlingfortheboattocomeandtakehimofftohisship。Andheseemedtobeinaterrifichurry，too，forhewhistledagainalmostdirectly，waitedforamoment，andthensentoutalong，interminable，shrillcallasdistressfultohearasthoughhehadshriekedwithoutdrawingbreath。Freyaceasedplayingsuddenly。

"Goingonboard，"saidoldNelson，perturbedbytheevent。"Whatcouldhavemadehimclearoutsoearly？Queerchap。Devilishlytouchy，too！Ishouldn’twonderifitwasyourconductlastnightthathurthisfeelings？Inoticedyou，Freya。Youaswellaslaughedinhisface，whilehewassufferingagoniesfromneuralgia。

Itisn’tthewaytogetyourselfliked。He’soffendedwithyou。"

Freya’shandsnowreposedpassiveonthekeys；shebowedherfairhead，feelingasuddendiscontent，anervouslassitude，asthoughshehadpassedthroughsomeexhaustingcrisis。OldNelson（orNielsen），lookingaggrieved，wasrevolvingmattersofpolicyinhisbaldhead。

"Ithinkitwouldberightformetogoonboardjusttoinquire，sometimethismorning，"hedeclaredfussily。"Whydon’ttheybringmemymorningtea？Doyouhear，Freya？Youhaveastonishedme，Imustsay。Ididn’tthinkayounggirlcouldbesounfeeling。

Andthelieutenantthinkshimselfafriendofours，too！What？

No？Well，hecallshimselfafriend，andthat’ssomethingtoapersoninmyposition。Certainly！Oh，yes，Imustgoonboard。"

"Mustyou？"murmuredFreyalistlessly；thenadded，inherthought：

"Poorman！"

CHAPTERV

Inrespectofthenextsevenweeks，allthatisnecessarytosayis，first，thatoldNelson（orNielsen）failedinpayinghispoliticcall。TheNeptungunboatofH。M。theKingoftheNetherlands，commandedbyanoutragedandinfuriatedlieutenant，leftthecoveatanunexpectedlyearlyhour。WhenFreya’sfathercamedowntotheshore，afterseeinghispreciouscropoftobaccospreadoutproperlyinthesun，shewasalreadysteamingroundthepoint。OldNelsonregrettedthecircumstanceformanydays。

"Now，Idon’tknowinwhatdispositionthemanwentaway，"helamentedtohisharddaughter。Hewasamazedatherhardness。Hewasalmostfrightenedbyherindifference。

Next，itmustberecordedthatthesamedaythegunboatNeptun，steeringeast，passedthebrigBonitobecalmedinsightofCarimata，withherheadtotheeastward，too。Hercaptain，JasperAllen，givinghimselfupconsciouslytoatender，possessivereverieofhisFreya，didnotgetoutofhislongchaironthepooptolookattheNeptunwhichpassedsoclosethatthesmokebelchingoutsuddenlyfromhershortblackfunnelrolledbetweenthemastsoftheBonito，obscuringforamomentthesunlitwhitenessofhersails，consecratedtotheserviceoflove。Jasperdidnoteventurnhisheadforaglance。ButHeemskirk，onthebridge，hadgazedlongandearnestlyatthebrigfromthedistance，grippinghardthebrassrailinfrontofhim，till，thetwoshipsclosing，helostallconfidenceinhimself，andretreatingtothechartroom，pulledthedoortowithacrash。There，hisbrowsknitted，hismouthdrawnononesideinsardonicmeditation，hesatthroughmanystillhours—asortofPrometheusinthebondsofunholydesire，havinghisveryvitalstornbythebeakandclawsofhumiliatedpassion。

Thatspeciesoffowlisnottobeshooedoffaseasilyasachicken。Fooled，cheated，deceived，ledon，outraged，mockedat—

beakandclaws！Asinisterbird！ThelieutenanthadnomindtobecomethetalkoftheArchipelago，asthenavalofficerwhohadhadhisfaceslappedbyagirl。Wasitpossiblethatshereallylovedthatrascallytrader？Hetriednottothink，but，worsethanthoughts，definiteimpressionsbesethiminhisretreat。Hesawher—avisionplain，closeto，detailed，plastic，coloured，lightedup—hesawherhangingroundtheneckofthatfellow。Andheshuthiseyes，onlytodiscoverthatthiswasnoremedy。Thenapianobegantoplaynearby，veryplainly；andheputhisfingerstohisearswithnobettereffect。Itwasnottobeborne—notinsolitude。Heboltedoutofthechartroom，andtalkedofindifferentthingssomewhatwildlywiththeofficerofthewatchonthebridge，tothemockingaccompanimentofaghostlypiano。

ThelastthingtoberecordedisthatLieutenantHeemskirkinsteadofpursuinghiscoursetowardsTernate，wherehewasexpected，wentoutofhiswaytocallatMakassar，wherenoonewaslookingforhisarrival。Oncethere，hegavecertainexplanationsandlaidacertainproposalbeforethegovernor，orsomeotherauthority，andobtainedpermissiontodowhathethoughtfitinthesematters。

ThereupontheNeptun，givingupTernatealtogether，steamednorthinviewofthemountainouscoastofCelebes，andthencrossingthebroadstraitstookupherstationonthelowcoastofvirginforests，inviolateandmute，inwatersphosphorescentatnight；

deepblueindaytimewithgleaminggreenpatchesoverthesubmergedreefs。FordaystheNeptuncouldbeseenmovingsmoothlyupanddownthesombrefaceoftheshore，orhangingaboutwithawatchfulairnearthesilverybreaksofbroadestuaries，underthegreatluminousskyneversoftened，neverveiled，andfloodingtheearthwiththeeverlastingsunshineofthetropics—thatsunshinewhich，initsunbrokensplendour，oppressesthesoulwithaninexpressiblemelancholymoreintimate，morepenetrating，moreprofoundthanthegreysadnessofthenorthernmists。

ThetradingbrigBonitoappearedglidingroundasombreforest—cladpointoflandonthesilveryestuaryofagreatriver。Thebreathofairthatgavehermotionwouldnothaveflutteredtheflameofatorch。Shestoleoutintotheopenfrombehindaveilofunstirringleaves，mysteriouslysilent，ghostlywhite，andsolemnlystealthyinherimperceptibleprogress；andJasper，hiselbowinthemainrigging，andhisheadleaningagainsthishand，thoughtofFreya。Everythingintheworldremindedhimofher。ThebeautyofthelovedwomanexistsinthebeautiesofNature。Theswellingoutlinesofthehills，thecurvesofacoast，thefreesinuositiesofariverarelesssuavethantheharmoniouslinesofherbody，andwhenshemoves，glidinglightly，thegraceofherprogresssuggeststhepowerofoccultforceswhichrulethefascinatingaspectsofthevisibleworld。

Dependentonthingsasallmenare，Jasperlovedhisvessel—thehouseofhisdreams。HelenttohersomethingofFreya’ssoul。

Herdeckwasthefootholdoftheirlove。Thepossessionofhisbrigappeasedhispassioninasoothingcertitudeofhappinessalreadyconquered。

Thefullmoonwassomewayup，perfectandserene，floatinginairascalmandlimpidastheglanceofFreya’seyes。Therewasnotasoundinthebrig。

"Heresheshallstand，bymyside，oneveningslikethis，"hethought，withrapture。

Anditwasatthatmoment，inthispeace，inthisserenity，underthefull，benigngazeofthemoonpropitioustolovers，onaseawithoutawrinkle，underaskywithoutacloud，asifallNaturehadassumeditsmostclementmoodinaspiritofmockery，thatthegunboatNeptun，detachingherselffromthedarkcoastunderwhichshehadbeenlyinginvisible，steamedouttointerceptthetradingbrigBonitostandingouttosea。

Directlythegunboathadbeenmadeoutemergingfromherambush，Schultz，ofthefascinatingvoice，hadgivensignsofstrangeagitation。Allthatday，eversinceleavingtheMalaytownuptheriver，hehadshownahaggardface，goingabouthisdutieslikeamanwithsomethingweighingonhismind。Jasperhadnoticedit，butthemate，turningaway，asthoughhehadnotlikedbeinglookedat，hadmutteredshamefacedlyofaheadacheandatouchoffever。

Hemusthavehaditverybadlywhen，dodgingbehindhiscaptainhewonderedaloud："Whatcanthatfellowwantwithus？"……Anakedmanstandinginafreezingblastandtryingnottoshivercouldnothavespokenwithamoreharshlyuncertainintonation。Butitmighthavebeenfever—acoldfit。

"Hewantstomakehimselfdisagreeable，simply，"saidJasper，withperfectgoodhumour。"Hehastrieditonmebefore。However，weshallsoonsee。"

And，indeed，beforelongthetwovesselslayabreastwithineasyhail。Thebrig，withherfinelinesandherwhitesails，lookedvaporousandsylph—likeinthemoonlight。Thegunboat，short，squat，withherstumpydarksparsnakedlikedeadtrees，raisedagainsttheluminousskyofthatresplendentnight，threwaheavyshadowonthelaneofwaterbetweenthetwoships。

Freyahauntedthembothlikeanubiquitousspirit，andasifsheweretheonlywomanintheworld。Jasperrememberedherearnestrecommendationtobeguardedandcautiousinallhisactsandwordswhilehewasawayfromher。Inthisquiteunforeseenencounterhefeltonhiseartheverybreathofthesehurriedadmonitionscustomarytothelastmomentoftheirpartings，heardthehalf—

jestingfinalwhisperofthe"Mind，kid，I’dneverforgiveyou！"

withaquickpressureonhisarm，whichheansweredbyaquiet，confidentsmile。Heemskirkwashauntedinanotherfashion。Therewerenowhispersinit；itwasmorelikevisions。Hesawthatgirlhangingroundtheneckofalowvagabond—thatvagabond，thevagabondwhohadjustansweredhishail。Hesawherstealingbare—

footedacrossaverandahwithgreat，clear，wide—open，eagereyestolookatabrig—thatbrig。Ifshehadshrieked，scolded，callednames！……Butshehadsimplytriumphedoverhim。Thatwasall。Ledon（hefirmlybelievedit），fooled，deceived，outraged，struck，mockedat……Beakandclaws！Thetwomen，sodifferentlyhauntedbyFreyaoftheSevenIsles，werenotequallymatched。

Intheintensestillness，asofsleep，whichhadfallenuponthetwovessels，inaworldthatitselfseemedbutadelicatedream，aboatpulledbyJavanesesailorscrossingthedarklaneofwatercamealongsidethebrig。Thewhitewarrantofficerinher，perhapsthegunner，climbedaboard。Hewasashortman，witharotundstomachandawheezyvoice。Hisimmovablefatfacelookedlifelessinthemoonlight，andhewalkedwithhisthickarmshangingawayfromhisbodyasthoughhehadbeenstuffed。Hiscunninglittleeyesglitteredlikebitsofmica。HeconveyedtoJasper，inbrokenEnglish，arequesttocomeonboardtheNeptun。

Jasperhadnotexpectedanythingsounusual。Butafterashortreflectionhedecidedtoshowneitherannoyance，norevensurprise。

Theriverfromwhichhehadcomehadbeenpoliticallydisturbedforacoupleofyears，andhewasawarethathisvisitstherewerelookeduponwithsomesuspicion。Buthedidnotmindmuchthedispleasureoftheauthorities，soterrifyingtooldNelson。Hepreparedtoleavethebrig，andSchultzfollowedhimtotherailasiftosaysomething，butintheendstoodbyinsilence。Jaspergettingovertheside，noticedhisghastlyface。Theeyesofthemanwhohadfoundsalvationinthebrigfromtheeffectsofhispeculiarpsychologylookedathimwithadumb，beseechingexpression。

"What’sthematter？"Jasperasked。

"Iwonderhowthiswillend？"saidheofthebeautifulvoice，whichhadevenfascinatedthesteadyFreyaherself。Butwherewasitscharmingtimbrenow？Thesewordshadsoundedlikearaven’scroak。

"Youareill，"saidJasperpositively。

"IwishIweredead！"wasthestartlingstatementutteredbySchultztalkingtohimselfintheextremityofsomemysterioustrouble。Jaspergavehimakeenglance，butthiswasnotthetimetoinvestigatethemorbidoutbreakofafeverishman。Hedidnotlookasthoughhewereactuallydelirious，andthatforthemomentmustsuffice。Schultzmadeadartforward。

"Thatfellowmeansharm！"hesaiddesperately。"Hemeansharmtoyou，CaptainAllen。Ifeelit，andI—"

Hechokedwithinexplicableemotion。

"Allright，Schultz。Iwon’tgivehimanopening。"Jaspercuthimshortandswunghimselfintotheboat。

OnboardtheNeptunHeemskirk，standingstraddle—legsinthefloodofmoonlight，hisinkyshadowfallingrightacrossthequarter—

deck，madenosignathisapproach，butsecretlyhefeltsomethingliketheheaveoftheseainhischestatthesightofthatman。

Jasperwaitedbeforehiminsilence。

Broughtfacetofaceindirectpersonalcontact，theyfellatonceintothemanneroftheircasualmeetingsinoldNelson’sbungalow。

Theyignoredeachother’sexistence—Heemskirkmoodily；Jasper，withaperfectlycolourlessquietness。

"What’sgoingoninthatriveryou’vejustcomeoutof？"askedthelieutenantstraightaway。

"Iknownothingofthetroubles，ifyoumeanthat，"Jasperanswered。"I’velandedtherehalfacargoofrice，forwhichIgotnothinginexchange，andwentaway。There’snotradetherenow，buttheywouldhavebeenstarvinginanotherweek—ifIhadn’tturnedup。"

"Meddling！Englishmeddling！Andsupposetherascalsdon’tdeserveanythingbetterthantostarve，eh？"

"Therearewomenandchildrenthere，youknow，"observedJasper，inhiseventone。

"Oh，yes！WhenanEnglishmantalksofwomenandchildren，youmaybesurethere’ssomethingfishyaboutthebusiness。Yourdoingswillhavetobeinvestigated。"

Theyspokeinturn，asthoughtheyhadbeendisembodiedspirits—

merevoicesinemptyair；fortheylookedateachotherasiftherehadbeennothingthere，or，atmost，withasmuchrecognitionasonegivestoaninanimateobject，andnomore。Butnowasilencefell。Heemskirkhadthought，allatonce："Shewilltellhimallaboutit。Shewilltellhimwhileshehangsroundhisnecklaughing。"AndthesuddendesiretoannihilateJasperonthespotalmostdeprivedhimofhissensesbyitsvehemence。Helostthepowerofspeech，ofvision。Foramomentheabsolutelycouldn’tseeJasper。Butheheardhiminquiring，asoftheworldatlarge：

"AmI，then，toconcludethatthebrigisdetained？"

Heemskirkmadearecoveryinaflushofmalignantsatisfaction。

"Sheis。IamgoingtotakehertoMakassarintow。"

"Thecourtswillhavetodecideonthelegalityofthis，"saidJasper，awarethatthematterwasbecomingserious，butwithassumedindifference。

"Oh，yes，thecourts！Certainly。Andastoyou，Ishallkeepyouonboardhere。"

Jasper’sdismayatbeingpartedfromhisshipwasbetrayedbyastonyimmobility。Itlastedbutaninstant。Thenheturnedawayandhailedthebrig。Mr。Schultzanswered：

"Yes，sir。"

"Getreadytoreceiveatow—ropefromthegunboat！WearegoingtobetakentoMakassar。"

"GoodGod！What’sthatfor，sir？"cameananxiouscryfaintly。

"Kindness，Isuppose，"Jasper，ironical，shoutedwithgreatdeliberation。"Wemighthavebeen—becalmedinhere—fordays。

Andhospitality。Iaminvitedtostay—onboardhere。"

Theanswertothisinformationwasaloudejaculationofdistress。

Jasperthoughtanxiously："Why，thefellow’snerve’sgonetopieces；"andwithanawkwarduneasinessofanewsort，lookedintentlyatthebrig。Thethoughtthathewaspartedfromher—

forthefirsttimesincetheycametogether—shooktheapparentlycarelessfortitudeofhischaractertoitsveryfoundations，whichweredeep。AllthattimeneitherHeemskirknorevenhisinkyshadowhadstirredintheleast。

"Iamgoingtosendaboat’screwandanofficeronboardyourvessel，"heannouncedtonooneinparticular。Jasper，tearinghimselfawayfromtheabsorbedcontemplationofthebrig，turnedround，and，withoutpassion，almostwithoutexpressioninhisvoice，enteredhisprotestagainstthewholeoftheproceedings。

Whathewasthinkingofwasthedelay。Hecountedthedays。

Makassarwasactuallyonhisway；andtobetowedtherereallysavedtime。Ontheotherhand，therewouldbesomevexingformalitiestogothrough。Butthethingwastooabsurd。"Thebeetle’sgonemad，"hethought。"I’llbereleasedatonce。Andifnot，Mesmanmustenterintoabondforme。"MesmanwasaDutchmerchantwithwhomJasperhadhadmanydealings，aconsiderablepersoninMakassar。

"Youprotest？H’m！"Heemskirkmuttered，andforalittlelongerremainedmotionless，hislegsplantedwellapart，andhisheadloweredasthoughhewerestudyinghisowncomical，deeply—splitshadow。Thenhemadeasigntotherotundgunner，whohadkeptathand，motionless，likeavilely—stuffedspecimenofafatman，withalifelessfaceandglitteringlittleeyes。Thefellowapproached，andstoodatattention。

"Youwillboardthebrigwithaboat’screw！"

"Ya，mynherr！"

"Youwillhaveoneofyourmentosteerherallthetime，"wentonHeemskirk，givinghisordersinEnglish，apparentlyforJasper’sedification。"Youhear？"

"Ya，mynherr。"

"Youwillremainondeckandinchargeallthetime。"

"Ya，mynherr。"

Jasperfeltasif，togetherwiththecommandofthebrig，hisveryheartwerebeingtakenoutofhisbreast。Heemskirkasked，withachangeoftone：

"Whatweaponshaveyouonboard？"

AtonetimealltheshipstradingintheChinaSeashadalicencetocarryacertainquantityoffirearmsforpurposesofdefence。

Jasperanswered：

"Eighteenrifleswiththeirbayonets，whichwereonboardwhenI

boughther，fouryearsago。Theyhavebeendeclared。"

"Wherearetheykept？"

"Fore—cabin。Matehasthekey。"

"Youwilltakepossessionofthem，"saidHeemskirktothegunner。

"Ya，mynherr。"

"Whatisthisfor？Whatdoyoumeantoimply？"criedoutJasper；

thenbithislip。"It’smonstrous！"hemuttered。

Heemskirkraisedforamomentaheavy，asifsuffering，glance。

"Youmaygo，"hesaidtohisgunner。Thefatmansaluted，anddeparted。

Duringthenextthirtyhoursthesteadytowingwasinterruptedonce。Atasignalfromthebrig，madebywavingaflagontheforecastle，thegunboatwasstopped。Thebadly—stuffedspecimenofawarrant—officer，gettingintohisboat，arrivedonboardtheNeptunandhurriedstraightintohiscommander’scabin，hisexcitementatsomethinghehadtocommunicatebeingbetrayedbytheblinkingofhissmalleyes。Thesetwowereclosetedtogetherforsometime，whileJasperatthetaffrailtriedtomakeoutifanythingoutofthecommonhadoccurredonboardthebrig。

Butnothingseemedtobeamissonboard。However，hekeptalook—

outforthegunner；and，thoughhehadavoidedspeakingtoanybodysincehehadfinishedwithHeemskirk，hestoppedthatmanwhenhecameoutondeckagaintoaskhowhismatewas。

"HewasfeelingnotverywellwhenIleft，"heexplained。

Thefatwarrant—officer，holdinghimselfasthoughtheeffortofcarryinghisbigstomachinfrontofhimdemandedarigidcarriage，understoodwithdifficulty。Notasingleoneofhisfeaturesshowedtheslightestanimation，buthislittleeyesblinkedrapidlyatlast。

"Oh，ya！Themate。Ya，ya！Heisverywell。But，meinGott，heisoneveryfunnyman！"

Jaspercouldgetnoexplanationofthatremark，becausetheDutchmangotintotheboathurriedly，andwentbackonboardthebrig。Butheconsoledhimselfwiththethoughtthatverysoonallthisunpleasantandratherabsurdexperiencewouldbeover。TheroadsteadofMakassarwasinsightalready。Heemskirkpassedbyhimgoingonthebridge。ForthefirsttimethelieutenantlookedatJasperwithmarkedintention；andthestrangerollofhiseyeswassofunny—ithadbeenlongagreedbyJasperandFreyathatthelieutenantwasfunny—soecstaticallygratified，asthoughhewererollingatastymorselonhistongue，thatJaspercouldnothelpabroadsmile。Andthenheturnedtohisbrigagain。

Toseeher，hischerishedpossession，animatedbysomethingofhisFreya’ssoul，theonlyfootholdoftwolivesonthewideearth，thesecurityofhispassion，thecompanionofadventure，thepowertosnatchthecalm，adorableFreyatohisbreast，andcarryherofftotheendoftheworld；toseethisbeautifulthingembodyingworthilyhisprideandhislove，toseehercaptiveattheendofatow—ropewasnotindeedapleasantexperience。Ithadsomethingnightmarishinit，as，forinstance，thedreamofawildsea—birdloadedwithchains。

Yetwhatelsecouldhewanttolookat？Herbeautywouldsometimescometohisheartwiththeforceofaspell，sothathewouldforgetwherehewas。And，besides，thatsenseofsuperioritywhichthecertitudeofbeinglovedgivestoayoungman，thatillusionofbeingsetabovetheFatesbyatenderlookinawoman’seyes，helpedhim，thefirstshockover，togothroughtheseexperienceswithanamusedself—confidence。ForwhatevilcouldtouchtheelectofFreya？

Itwasnowafternoon，thesunbeingbehindthetwovesselsastheyheadedfortheharbour。"Thebeetle’slittlejokeshallsoonbeover，"thoughtJasper，withoutanygreatanimosity。Asaseamanwellacquaintedwiththatpartoftheworld，acasualglancewasenoughtotellhimwhatwasbeingdone。"Hallo，"hethought，"heisgoingthroughSpermondePassage。WeshallberoundingTamissareefpresently。"Andagainhereturnedtothecontemplationofhisbrig，thatmain—stayofhismaterialandemotionalexistencewhichwouldbesooninhishandsagain。Onasea，calmlikeamillpond，aheavysmoothrippleundulatedandstreamedawayfromherbows，forthepowerfulNeptunwastowingatgreatspeed，asifforawager。TheDutchgunnerappearedontheforecastleoftheBonito，andwithhimacoupleofmen。Theystoodlookingatthecoast，andJasperlosthimselfinaloverliketrance。

Thedeep—tonedblastofthegunboat’ssteam—whistlemadehimshudderbyitsunexpectedness。Slowlyhelookedabout。Swiftaslightningheleapedfromwherehestood，boundingforwardalongthedeck。

"YouwillbeonTamissareef！"heyelled。

HighuponthebridgeHeemskirklookedbackoverhisshoulderheavily；twoseamenwerespinningthewheelround，andtheNeptunwasalreadyswingingrapidlyawayfromtheedgeofthepalewateroverthedanger。Ha！justintime。Jasperturnedaboutinstantlytowatchhisbrig；and，evenbeforeherealisedthat—inobedience，itappears，toHeemskirk’sordersgivenbeforehandtothegunner—thetow—ropehadbeenletgoattheblastofthewhistle，beforehehadtimetocryoutortomovealimb，hesawhercastadriftandshootingacrossthegunboat’ssternwiththeimpetusofherspeed。Hefollowedherfine，glidingformwitheyesgrowingbigwithincredulity，wildwithhorror。Thecriesonboardofhercametohimonlyasadreadfulandconfusedmurmurthroughtheloudthumpingofbloodinhisears，whilesheheldon。Sheranuprightinaterribledisplayofhergiftofspeed，withanincomparableairoflifeandgrace。Sheranontillthesmoothlevelofwaterinfrontofherbowsseemedtosinkdownsuddenlyasifsuckedaway；and，withastrange，violenttremorofhermast—

headsshestopped，inclinedherloftysparsalittle，andlaystill。Shelaystillonthereef，whiletheNeptun，fetchingawidecircle，continuedatfullspeedupSpermondePassage，headingforthetown。Shelaystill，perfectlystill，withsomethingill—

omenedandunnaturalinherattitude。Inaninstantthesubtlemelancholyofthingstouchedbydecayhadfallenonherinthesunshine；shewasbutaspeckinthebrilliantemptinessofspace，alreadylonely，alreadydesolate。

"Holdhim！"yelledavoicefromthebridge。

Jasperhadstartedtoruntohisbrigwithaheadlongimpulse，asamandashesforwardtopullawaywithhishandsaliving，breathing，lovedcreaturefromthebrinkofdestruction。"Holdhim！Sticktohim！"vociferatedthelieutenantatthetopofthebridge—ladder，whileJasperstruggledmadlywithoutaword，onlyhisheademergingfromtheheavingcrowdoftheNeptun’sseamen，whohadflungthemselvesuponhimobediently。"Hold—Iwouldnothavethatfellowdrownhimselfforanythingnow！"

Jasperceasedstruggling。

Onebyonetheyletgoofhim；theyfellbackgraduallyfartherandfarther，inattentivesilence，leavinghimstandingunsupportedinawidened，clearspace，asiftogivehimplentyofroomtofallafterthestruggle。Hedidnotevenswayperceptibly。Halfanhourlater，whentheNeptunanchoredinfrontofthetown，hehadnotstirredyet，hadmovedneitherheadnorlimbasmuchasahair’sbreadth。Directlytherumbleofthegunboat’scablehadceased，Heemskirkcamedownheavilyfromthebridge。

"Callasampan"hesaid，inagloomytone，ashepassedthesentryatthegangway，andthenmovedonslowlytowardsthespotwhereJasper，theobjectofmanyawedglances，stoodlookingatthedeck，asiflostinabrownstudy。Heemskirkcameupclose，andstaredathimthoughtfully，withhisfingersoverhislips。Herehewas，thefavouredvagabond，theonlymantowhomthatinfernalgirlwaslikelytotellthestory。Buthewouldnotfinditfunny。ThestoryhowLieutenantHeemskirk—No，hewouldnotlaughatit。Helookedasthoughhewouldneverlaughatanythinginhislife。

SuddenlyJasperlookedup。Hiseyes，withoutanyotherexpressionbutbewilderment，metthoseofHeemskirk，observantandsombre。

"Goneonthereef！"hesaid，inalow，astoundedtone。"On—the—

reef！"herepeatedstilllower，andasifattendinginwardlytothebirthofsomeawfulandamazingsensation。

"Ontheverytopofhigh—water，springtides，"Heemskirkstruckin，withavindictive，exultingviolencewhichflashedandexpired。Hepaused，asifweary，fixinguponJasperhisarroganteyes，overwhichsecretdisenchantment，theunavoidableshadowofallpassion，seemedtopasslikeasaddeningcloud。"Ontheverytop，"herepeated，rousinghimselfinfiercereactiontosnatchhislacedcapoffhisheadwithahorizontal，derisiveflourishtowardsthegangway。"Andnowyoumaygoashoretothecourts，youdamnedEnglishman！"hesaid。

CHAPTERVI

TheaffairofthebrigBonitowasboundtocauseasensationinMakassar，theprettiest，andperhapsthecleanest—lookingofallthetownsintheIslands；whichhoweverknowsfewoccasionsforexcitement。The"front，"withitsspecialpopulation，wassoonawarethatsomethinghadhappened。Asteamertowingasailingvesselhadbeenobservedfarouttoseaforsometime，andwhenthesteamercameinalone，leavingtheotheroutside，attentionwasaroused。Whywasthat？Hermastsonlycouldbeseen—withfurledsails—remaininginthesameplacetothesouthward。AndsoontherumourranallalongthecrowdedseashorestreetthattherewasashiponTamissareef。Thatcrowdinterpretedtheappearancecorrectly。Itscausewasbeyondtheirpenetration，forwhocouldassociateagirlninehundredmilesawaywiththestrandingofashiponTamissareef，orlookfortheremotefiliationofthateventinthepsychologyofatleastthreepeople，evenifoneofthem，LieutenantHeemskirk，wasatthatverymomentpassingamongstthemonhiswaytomakehisverbalreport？

No；themindsonthe"front"werenotcompetentforthatsortofinvestigation，butmanyhandsthere—brownhands，yellowhands，whitehands—wereraisedtoshadetheeyesgazingouttosea。Therumourspreadquickly。Chineseshopkeeperscametotheirdoors，morethanonewhitemerchant，even，rosefromhisdesktogotothewindow。Afterall，ashiponTamissawasnotaneverydayoccurrence。Andpresentlytherumourtookamoredefiniteshape。

AnEnglishtrader—detainedonsuspicionatseabytheNeptun—

Heemskirkwastowinghimintotestacase，andbysomestrangeaccident—

Lateronthenamecameout。"TheBonito—what！Impossible！Yes—yes，theBonito。Look！Youcanseefromhere；onlytwomasts。

It’sabrig。Didn’tthinkthatmanwouldeverlethimselfbecaught。Heemskirk’sprettysmart，too。Theysayshe’sfittedoutinhercabinlikeagentleman’syacht。ThatAllenisasortofgentlemantoo。Anextravagantbeggar。"

AyoungmanenteredsmartlyMessrs。MesmanBrothers’officeonthe"front，"bubblingwithsomefurtherinformation。

"Oh，yes；that’stheBonitoforcertain！Butyoudon’tknowthestoryI’veheardjustnow。Thefellowmusthavebeenfeedingthatriverwithfirearmsforthelastyearortwo。Well，itseemshehasgrownsorecklessfromlongimpunitythathehasactuallydaredtoselltheveryship’sriflesthistime。It’safact。Theriflesarenotonboard。Whatimpudence！Only，hedidn’tknowthattherewasoneofourwarshipsonthecoast。ButthoseEnglishmenaresoimpudentthatperhapshethoughtthatnothingwouldbedonetohimforit。Ourcourtsdoletoffthesefellowstoooften，onsomemiserableexcuseorother。But，atanyrate，there’sanendofthefamousBonito。Ihavejustheardintheharbour—officethatshemusthavegoneonattheverytopofhigh—water；andsheisinballast，too。Nohumanpower，theythink，canmoveherfromwheresheis。Ionlyhopeitisso。ItwouldbefinetohavethenotoriousBonitostuckupthereasawarningtoothers。"

Mr。J。Mesman，acolonial—bornDutchman，akind，paternaloldfellow，withaclean—shaven，quiet，handsomefade，andaheadoffineiron—greyhaircurlingalittleonhiscollar，didnotsayawordindefenceofJasperandtheBonito。Herosefromhisarm—

chairsuddenly。Hisfacewasvisiblytroubled。Ithadsohappenedthatonce，fromabusinesstalkofwaysandmeans，islandtrade，moneymatters，andsoon，JasperhadbeenledtoopenhimselftohimonthesubjectofFreya；andtheexcellentman，whohadknownoldNelsonyearsbeforeandevenrememberedsomethingofFreya，wasmuchastonishedandamusedbytheunfoldingofthetale。

"Well，well，well！Nelson！Yes；ofcourse。Averyhonestsortofman。Andalittlechildwithveryfairhair。Oh，yes！Ihaveadistinctrecollection。Andsoshehasgrownintosuchafinegirl，soverydetermined，sovery—"Andhelaughedalmostboisterously。"Mind，whenyouhavehappilyelopedwithyourfuturewife，CaptainAllen，youmustcomealongthisway，andweshallwelcomeherhere。Alittlefair—headedchild！Iremember。I

remember。"

Itwasthatknowledgewhichhadbroughttroubletohisfaceatthefirstnewsofthewreck。Hetookuphishat。

"Whereareyougoing，Mr。Mesman？"

"IamgoingtolookforAllen。Ithinkhemustbeashore。Doesanybodyknow？"

Nooneofthosepresentknew。AndMr。Mesmanwentoutonthe"front"tomakeinquiries。

Theotherpartofthetown，thepartnearthechurchandthefort，gotitsinformationinanotherway。ThefirstthingdisclosedtoitwasJasperhimself，walkingrapidly，asthoughhewerepursued。

And，asamatteroffact，aChinaman，obviouslyasampanman，wasfollowinghimatthesameheadlongpace。Suddenly，whilepassingOrangeHouse，Jasperswervedandwentin，or，rather，rushedin，startlingGomez，thehotelclerk，verymuch。ButaChinamanbeginningtomakeanunseemlynoiseatthedoorclaimedtheimmediateattentionofGomez。Hisgrievancewasthatthewhitemanwhomhehadbroughtonshorefromthegunboathadnotpaidhimhisboat—fare。Hehadpursuedhimsofar，askingforitalltheway。

Butthewhitemanhadtakennonoticewhateverofhisjustclaim。

Gomezsatisfiedthecooliewithafewcoppers，andthenwenttolookforJasper，whomheknewverywell。Hefoundhimstandingstifflybyalittleroundtable。Attheotherendoftheverandahafewmensittingtherehadstoppedtalking，andwerelookingathiminsilence。Twobilliard—players，withcuesintheirhands，hadcometothedoorofthebilliard—roomandstared，too。

OnGomezcominguptohim，Jasperraisedonehandtopointathisownthroat。Gomeznotedthesomewhatsoiledstateofhiswhiteclothes，thentookonelookathisface，andfledawaytoorderthedrinkforwhichJasperseemedtobeasking。

Wherehewantedtogo—orwhatpurpose—wherehe，perhaps，onlyimaginedhimselftobegoing，whenasuddenimpulseorthesightofafamiliarplacehadmadehimturnintoOrangeHouse—itisimpossibletosay。Hewassteadyinghimselflightlywiththetipsofhisfingersonthelittletable。Therewereonthatverandahtwomenwhomheknewwellpersonally，buthisgazeroamingincessantlyasthoughhewerelookingforawayofescape，passedandrepassedoverthemwithoutasignofrecognition。They，ontheirside，lookingathim，doubtedtheevidenceoftheirowneyes。

Itwasnotthathisfacewasdistorted。Onthecontrary，itwasstill，itwasset。Butitsexpression，somehow，wasunrecognisable。Canthatbehim？theywonderedwithawe。

Inhisheadtherewasawildchaosofclearthoughts。Perfectlyclear。Itwasthisclearnesswhichwassoterribleinconjunctionwiththeutterinabilitytolayholdofanysingleoneofthemall。

Hewassayingtohimself，ortothem："Steady，steady。"AChinaboyappearedbeforehimwithaglassonatray。Hepouredthedrinkdownhisthroat，andrushedout。Hisdisappearanceremovedthespellofwonderfromthebeholders。Oneofthemenjumpedupandmovedquicklytothatsideoftheverandahfromwhichalmostthewholeoftheroadsteadcouldbeseen。AttheverymomentwhenJasper，issuingfromthedooroftheOrangeHouse，waspassingunderhiminthestreetbelow，hecriedtotheothersexcitedly：

"ThatwasAllenrightenough！Butwhereishisbrig？"

Jasperheardthesewordswithextraordinaryloudness。Theheavensrangwiththem，asifcallinghimtoaccount；forthoseweretheverywordsFreyawouldhavetouse。Itwasanannihilatingquestion；itstruckhisconsciousnesslikeathunderboltandbroughtasuddennightuponthechaosofhisthoughtsevenashewalked。Hedidnotcheckhispace。Hewentoninthedarknessforanotherthreestrides，andthenfell。

ThegoodMesmanhadtopushonasfarasthehospitalbeforehefoundhim。Thedoctortheretalkedofaslightheatstroke。

Nothingverymuch。Outinthreedays……Itmustbeadmittedthatthedoctorwasright。Inthreedays，JasperAllencameoutofthehospitalandbecamevisibletothetown—veryvisibleindeed—

andremainedsoforquitealongtime；longenoughtobecomealmostoneofthesightsoftheplace；longenoughtobecomedisregardedatlast；longenoughforthetaleofhishauntingvisibilitytoberememberedintheislandstothisday。

Thetalkonthe"front"andJasper’sappearanceintheOrangeHousestandatthebeginningofthefamousBonitocase，andgiveaviewofitstwoaspects—thepracticalandthepsychological。Thecaseforthecourtsandthecaseforcompassion；thatlastterriblyevidentandyetobscure。

Ithas，youmustunderstand，remainedobscureevenforthatfriendofminewhowrotemethelettermentionedintheveryfirstlinesofthisnarrative。HewasoneofthoseinMr。Mesman’soffice，andaccompaniedthatgentlemaninhissearchforJasper。Hisletterdescribedtomethetwoaspectsandsomeoftheepisodesofthecase。Heemskirk’sattitudewasthatofdeepthankfulnessfornothavinglosthisownship，andthatwasall。HazeoverthelandwashisexplanationofhavinggotsoclosetoTamissareef。Hesavedhisship，andfortheresthedidnotcare。Astothefatgunner，hedeposedsimplythathethoughtatthetimethathewasactingforthebestbylettinggothetow—rope，butadmittedthathewasgreatlyconfusedbythesuddennessoftheemergency。

Asamatteroffact，hehadactedonverypreciseinstructionsfromHeemskirk，towhomthroughseveralyears’servicetogetherintheEasthehadbecomeasortofdevotedhenchman。WhatwasmostamazinginthedetentionoftheBonitowashisstoryhow，proceedingtotakepossessionofthefirearmsasordered，hediscoveredthattherewerenofirearmsonboard。Allhefoundinthefore—cabinwasanemptyrackforthepropernumberofeighteenrifles，butoftheriflesthemselvesneverasingleoneanywhereintheship。Themateofthebrig，wholookedratherillandbehavedexcitedly，asthoughhewereperhapsalunatic，wantedhimtobelievethatCaptainAllenknewnothingofthis；thatitwashe，themate，whohadrecentlysoldtheseriflesinthedeadofnighttoacertainpersonuptheriver。Inproofofthisstoryheproducedabagofsilverdollarsandpresseditonhis，thegunner’s，acceptance。Then，suddenlyflingingitdownonthedeck，hebeathisownheadwithbothhisfistsandstartedheapingshockingcursesuponhisownsoulforanungratefulwretchnotfittolive。

Allthisthegunnerreportedatoncetohiscommandingofficer。

WhatHeemskirkintendedbytakinguponhimselftodetaintheBonitoitisdifficulttosay，exceptthathemeanttobringsometroubleintothelifeofthemanfavouredbyFreya。HehadbeenlookingatJasperwithadesiretostrikethatmanofkissesandembracestotheearth。Thequestionwas：Howcouldhedoitwithoutgivinghimselfaway？Butthereportofthegunnercreatedaseriouscaseenough。YetAllenhadfriends—andwhocouldtellwhetherhewouldn’tsomehowsucceedinwrigglingoutofit？Theideaofsimplytowingthebrigsomuchcompromisedontothereefcametohimwhilehewaslisteningtothefatgunnerinhiscabin。Therewasbutlittleriskofbeingdisapprovednow。Anditshouldbemadetoappearanaccident。

Goingoutondeckhehadgloateduponhisunconsciousvictimwithsuchasinisterrollofhiseyes，suchaqueerlypursedmouth，thatJaspercouldnothelpsmiling。Andthelieutenanthadgoneonthebridge，sayingtohimself：

"Youwait！Ishallspoilthetasteofthosesweetkissesforyou。

WhenyouhearofLieutenantHeemskirkinthefuturethatnamewon’tbringasmileonyourlips，Iswear。Youaredeliveredintomyhands。"

Andthispossibilityhadcomeaboutwithoutanyplanning，onecouldalmostsaynaturally，asifeventshadmysteriouslyshapedthemselvestofitthepurposesofadarkpassion。ThemostastuteschemingcouldnothaveservedHeemskirkbetter。Itwasgiventohimtotasteatranscendental，anincredibleperfectionofvengeance；tostrikeadeadlyblowintothathatedperson’sheart，andtowatchhimafterwardswalkingaboutwiththedaggerinhisbreast。

ForthatiswhatthestateofJasperamountedto。Hemoved，acted，weary—eyed，keen—faced，lankandrestless，withbrusquemovementsandfiercegestures；hetalkedincessantlyinafrenziedandfatiguedvoice，butwithinhimselfheknewthatnothingwouldevergivehimbackthebrig，justasnothingcanhealapiercedheart。

Hissoul，keptquietinthestressoflovebytheunflinchingFreya’sinfluence，waslikeastillbutoverwoundstring。Theshockhadstarteditvibrating，andthestringhadsnapped。Hehadwaitedfortwoyearsinaperfectlyintoxicatedconfidenceforadaythatnowwouldnevercometoamandisarmedforlifebythelossofthebrig，and，itseemedtohim，madeunfitforlovetowhichhehadnofootholdtooffer。

Dayafterdayhewouldtraversethelengthofthetown，followthecoast，and，reachingthepointoflandoppositethatpartofthereefonwhichhisbriglaystranded，looksteadilyacrossthewateratherbelovedform，oncethehomeofanexultinghope，andnow，inherinclined，desolatedimmobility，toweringabovethelonelysea—

horizon，asymbolofdespair。

Thecrewhadleftherinduecourseinherownboatswhichdirectlytheyreachedthetownweresequestratedbytheharbourauthorities。

Thevessel，too，wassequestratedpendingproceedings；butthesesameauthoritiesdidnottakethetroubletosetaguardonboard。

For，indeed，whatcouldmoveherfromthere？Nothing，unlessamiracle；nothing，unlessJasper’seyes，fastenedonhertenselyforhourstogether，asthoughhehopedbythemerepowerofvisiontodrawhertohisbreast。

Allthisstory，readinmyfriend’sverychattyletter，dismayedmenotalittle。ButitwasreallyappallingtoreadhisrelationofhowSchultz，themate，wentabouteverywhereaffirmingwithdesperatepertinacitythatitwashealonewhohadsoldtherifles。

"Istolethem，"heprotested。Ofcourse，noonewouldbelievehim。

Myfriendhimselfdidnotbelievehim，thoughhe，ofcourse，admiredthisself—sacrifice。Butagoodmanypeoplethoughtitwasgoingtoofartomakeoneselfoutathiefforthesakeofafriend。

Only，itwassuchanobviouslie，too，thatitdidnotmatter，perhaps。

I，who，inviewofSchultz’spsychology，knewhowtruethatmustbe，admitthatIwasappalled。Sothiswashowaperfidiousdestinytookadvantageofagenerousimpulse！AndIfeltasthoughIwereanaccompliceinthisperfidy，sinceIdidtoacertainextentencourageJasper。YetIhadwarnedhimaswell。

"Themanseemedtohavegonecrazyonthispoint，"wrotemyfriend。

"HewenttoMesmanwithhisstory。Hesaysthatsomerascallywhitemanlivingamongstthenativesupthatrivermadehimdrunkwithsomeginoneevening，andthenjeeredathimforneverhavinganymoney。Thenhe，protestingtousthathewasanhonestmanandmustbebelieved，describedhimselfasbeingathiefwheneverhetookadroptoomuch，andtoldusthathewentonboardandpassedtheriflesonebyonewithouttheslightestcompunctiontoacanoewhichcamealongsidethatnight，receivingtendollarsapieceforthem。

"Nextdayhewasillwithshameandgrief，buthadnotthecouragetoconfesshislapsetohisbenefactor。Whenthegunboatstoppedthebrighefeltreadytodiewiththeapprehensionoftheconsequences，andwouldhavediedhappily，ifhecouldhavebeenabletobringtheriflesbackbythesacrificeofhislife。HesaidnothingtoJasper，hopingthatthebrigwouldbereleasedpresently。Whenitturnedoutotherwiseandhiscaptainwasdetainedonboardthegunboat，hewasreadytocommitsuicidefromdespair；onlyhethoughtithisdutytoliveinordertoletthetruthbeknown。’Iamanhonestman！Iamanhonestman！’herepeated，inavoicethatbroughttearstooureyes。’YoumustbelievemewhenItellyouthatIamathief—avile，low，cunning，sneakingthiefassoonasI’vehadaglassortwo。TakemesomewherewhereImaytellthetruthonoath。’

"WhenwehadatlastconvincedhimthathisstorycouldbeofnousetoJasper—forwhatDutchcourt，havingoncegotholdofanEnglishtrader，wouldacceptsuchanexplanation；and，indeed，how，when，wherecouldonehopetofindproofsofsuchatale？—hemadeasiftotearhishairinhandfuls，but，calmingdown，said：

’Good—bye，then，gentlemen，’andwentoutoftheroomsocrushedthatheseemedhardlyabletoputonefootbeforetheother。Thatverynighthecommittedsuicidebycuttinghisthroatinthehouseofahalf—castewithwhomhehadbeenlodgingsincehecameashorefromthewreck。"

Thatthroat，Ithoughtwithashudder，whichcouldproducethetender，persuasive，manly，butfascinatingvoicewhichhadarousedJasper’sreadycompassionandhadsecuredFreya’ssympathy！Whocouldeverhavesupposedsuchanendinstorefortheimpossible，gentleSchultz，withhisidiosyncrasyofnaivepilfering，soabsurdlystraightforwardthat，eveninthepeoplewhohadsufferedfromit，itarousednothingmorethanasortofamusedexasperation？Hewasreallyimpossible。Hislotevidentlyshouldhavebeenahalf—starved，mysterious，butbynomeanstragicexistenceasamild—eyed，inoffensivebeachcomberonthefringeofnativelife。Thereareoccasionswhentheironyoffate，whichsomepeopleprofesstodiscoverintheworkingoutofourlives，wearstheaspectofcrudeandsavagejesting。

IshookmyheadoverthemanesofSchultz，andwentonwithmyfriend’sletter。Ittoldmehowthebrigonthereef，lootedbythenativesfromthecoastvillages，acquiredgraduallythelamentableaspect，thegreyghastlinessofawreck；whileJasper，fadingdailyintoamereshadowofaman，strodebrusquelyallalongthe"front"withhorriblylivelyeyesandafaint，fixedsmileonhislips，tospendthedayonalonelyspitofsandlookingeagerlyather，asthoughhehadexpectedsomeshapeonboardtoriseupandmakesomesortofsigntohimoverthedecayingbulwarks。TheMesmansweretakingcareofhimasfarasitwaspossible。TheBonitocasehadbeenreferredtoBatavia，wherenodoubtitwouldfadeawayinafogofofficialpapers……Itwasheartrendingtoreadallthis。Thatactiveandzealousofficer，LieutenantHeemskirk，hisairofsullen，darkly—painedself—importancenotlightenedbytheapprovalofhisactionconveyedtohimunofficially，hadgoneontotakeuphisstationintheMoluccas……

Then，attheendofthebulky，kindly—meantepistle，dealingwiththeislandnewsofhalfayearatleast，myfriendwrote："A

coupleofmonthsagooldNelsonturneduphere，arrivingbythemail—boatfromJava。CametoseeMesman，itseems。Arathermysteriousvisit，andextraordinarilyshort，aftercomingallthatway。HestayedjustfourdaysattheOrangeHouse，withapparentlynothinginparticulartodo，andthencaughtthesouth—goingsteamerfortheStraits。IrememberpeoplesayingatonetimethatAllenwasrathersweetonoldNelson’sdaughter，thegirlthatwasbroughtupbyMrs。HarleyandthenwenttolivewithhimattheSevenIslesgroup。SurelyyourememberoldNelson—"

RememberoldNelson！Rather！

TheletterwentontoinformmefurtherthatoldNelson，atleast，rememberedme，sincesometimeafterhisflyingvisittoMakassarhehadwrittentotheMesmansaskingformyaddressinLondon。

ThatoldNelson（orNielsen），thenoteofwhosepersonalitywasaprofound，echolessirresponsivenesstoeverythingaroundhim，shouldwishtowrite，orfindanythingtowriteabouttoanybody，wasinitselfacausefornosmallwonder。Andtome，ofallpeople！Iwaitedwithuneasyimpatienceforwhateverdisclosurecouldcomefromthatnaturallybenightedintelligence，butmyimpatiencehadtimetowearoutbeforemyeyesbeheldoldNelson’strembling，painfully—formedhandwriting，senileandchildishatthesametime，onanenvelopebearingapennystampandthepostalmarkoftheNottingHilloffice。Idelayedopeningitinordertopaythetributeofastonishmentduetotheeventbyflingingmyhandsabovemyhead。SohehadcomehometoEngland，tobedefinitelyNelson；orelsewasonhiswayhometoDenmark，wherehewouldrevertforevertohisoriginalNielsen！ButoldNelson（orNielsen）outofthetropicsseemedunthinkable。Andyethewasthere，askingmetocall。

Hisaddresswasataboarding—houseinoneofthoseBayswatersquares，onceofleisure，whichnowadaysarereducedtoearningtheirliving。Somebodyhadrecommendedhimthere。IstartedtocallonhimononeofthoseJanuarydaysinLondon，oneofthosewintrydayscomposedofthefourdevilishelements，cold，wet，mud，andgrime，combinedwithaparticularstickinessofatmospherethatclingslikeanuncleangarmenttoone’sverysoul。YetonapproachinghisabodeIsaw，likeaflickerfarbehindthesoiledveilofthefourelements，thewearisomeandsplendidglitterofablueseawiththeSevenIsletslikeminutespecksswimminginmyeye，thehighredroofofthebungalowcrowningtheverysmallestofthemall。Thisvisualreminiscencewasprofoundlydisturbing。

Iknockedatthedoorwithafalteringhand。

OldNelson（orNielsen）gotupfromthetableatwhichhewassittingwithashabbypocket—bookfullofpapersbeforehim。Hetookoffhisspectaclesbeforeshakinghands。Foramomentneitherofussaidaword；then，noticingmelookingroundsomewhatexpectantly，hemurmuredsomewords，ofwhichIcaughtonly"daughter"and"HongKong，"casthiseyesdown，andsighed。

Hismoustache，stickingallwaysout，asofyore，wasquitewhitenow。Hisoldcheeksweresoftlyrounded，withsomecolourinthem；

strangelyenough，thatsomethingchildlikealwaysnoticeableinthegeneralcontourofhisphysiognomyhadbecomemuchmoremarked。

Likehishandwriting，helookedchildishandsenile。Heshowedhisagemostinhisunintelligentlyfurrowed，anxiousforeheadandinhisround，innocenteyes，whichappearedtomeweakandblinkingandwatery；orwasitthattheywerefulloftears？……

TodiscoveroldNelsonfullyinformeduponanymatterwhateverwasanewexperience。Andafterthefirstawkwardnesshadwornoffhetalkedfreely，with，nowandthen，aquestiontostarthimgoingwheneverhelapsedintosilence，whichhewoulddosuddenly，claspinghishandsonhiswaistcoatinanattitudewhichwouldrecalltometheeastverandah，whereheusedtosittalkingquietlyandpuffingouthischeeksinwhatseemednowold，veryolddays。Hetalkedinareasonablesomewhatanxioustone。

"No，no。Wedidnotknowanythingforweeks。Outofthewaylikethat，wecouldn’t，ofcourse。NomailservicetotheSevenIsles。

ButonedayIranovertoBankainmybigsailing—boattoseewhethertherewereanyletters，andsawaDutchpaper。Butitlookedonlylikeabitofmarinenews：EnglishbrigBonitogoneashoreoutsideMakassarroads。Thatwasall。Itookthepaperhomewithmeandshowedittoher。’Iwillneverforgivehim！’shecrieswithheroldspirit。’Mydear，’Isaid，’youareasensiblegirl。Thebestmanmayloseaship。Butwhataboutyourhealth？’

Iwasbeginningtobefrightenedatherlooks。ShewouldnotletmetalkevenofgoingtoSingaporebefore。But，really，suchasensiblegirlcouldn’tkeeponobjectingforever。’Dowhatyoulike，papa，’shesays。Ratherajob，that。Hadtocatchasteameratsea，butIgotheroverallright。There，doctors，ofcourse。

Fever。Anaemia。Puthertobed。Twoorthreewomenverykindtoher。Naturallyinourpapersthewholestorycameoutbeforelong。

Shereadsittotheend，lyingonthecouch；thenhandsthenewspaperbacktome，whispers’Heemskirk，’andgoesoffintoafaint。"

Heblinkedatmeforquitealongtime，hiseyesrunningfulloftearsagain。

"Nextday，"hebegan，withoutanyemotioninhisvoice，"shefeltstronger，andwehadalongtalk。Shetoldmeeverything。"

HereoldNelson，withhiseyescastdown，gavemethewholestoryoftheHeemskirkepisodeinFreya’swords；thenwentoninhisratherjerkyutterance，andlookingupinnocently：

"’Mydear，’Isaid，’youhavebehavedinthemainlikeasensiblegirl。’’Ihavebeenhorrid，’shecries，’andheisbreakinghisheartoverthere。’Well，shewastoosensiblenottoseeshewasn’tinastatetotravel。ButIwent。Shetoldmetogo。Shewasbeinglookedafterverywell。Anaemia。Gettingbetter，theysaid。"

Hepaused。

"Youdidseehim？"Imurmured。

"Oh，yes；Ididseehim，"hestartedagain，talkinginthatreasonablevoiceasthoughhewerearguingapoint。"Ididseehim。Icameuponhim。Eyessunkaninchintohishead；nothingbutskinonthebonesofhisface，askeletonindirtywhiteclothes。That’swhathelookedlike。HowFreya……Butsheneverdid—notreally。Hewassittingthere，theonlylivethingformilesalongthatcoast，onadrift—logwashedupontheshore。

Theyhadclippedhishairinthehospital，andithadnotgrownagain。Hestared，holdinghischininhishand，andwithnothingontheseabetweenhimandtheskybutthatwreck。WhenIcameuptohimhejustmovedhisheadabit。’Isthatyou，oldman？’sayshe—likethat。

"IfyouhadseenhimyouwouldhaveunderstoodatoncehowimpossibleitwasforFreyatohaveeverlovedthatman。Well，well。Idon’tsay。Shemighthave—something。Shewaslonely，youknow。Butreallytogoawaywithhim！Never！Madness。Shewastoosensible……Ibegantoreproachhimgently。Andbyandbyheturnsonme。’Writetoyou！Whatabout？Cometoher！Whatwith？IfIhadbeenamanIwouldhavecarriedheroff，butshemadeachild，ahappychild，ofme。TellherthatthedaytheonlythingIhadbelongingtomeintheworldperishedonthisreefI

discoveredthatIhadnopoweroverher……Hasshecomeherewithyou？’heshouts，blazingatmesuddenlywithhisholloweyes。I

shookmyhead。Comewithme，indeed！Anaemia！’Aha！Yousee？

Goaway，then，oldman，andleavemealoneherewiththatghost，’

hesays，jerkinghisheadatthewreckofhisbrig。

"Mad！Itwasgettingdusk。Ididnotcaretostopanylongerallbymyselfwiththatmaninthatlonelyplace。IwasnotgoingtotellhimofFreya’sillness。Anaemia！Whatwasthegood？Mad！

Andwhatsortofhusbandwouldhehavemade，anyhow，forasensiblegirllikeFreya？Why，evenmylittlepropertyIcouldnothaveleftthem。TheDutchauthoritieswouldneverhaveallowedanEnglishmantosettlethere。Itwasnotsoldthen。MymanMahmat，youknow，waslookingafteritforme。LateronIletitgoforatenthofitsvaluetoaDutchhalf—caste。Butnevermind。Itwasnothingtomethen。Yes；Iwentawayfromhim。Icaughtthereturnmail—boat。ItoldeverythingtoFreya。’He’smad，’Isaid；

’and，mydear，theonlythinghelovedwashisbrig。’

"’Perhaps，’shesaystoherself，lookingstraightaway—hereyeswerenearlyashollowashis—’perhapsitistrue。Yes！Iwouldneverallowhimanypoweroverme。’"

OldNelsonpaused。Isatfascinated，andfeelingalittlecoldinthatroomwithablazingfire。

"Soyousee，"hecontinued，"sheneverreallycaredforhim。Muchtoosensible。ItookherawaytoHongKong。Changeofclimate，theysaid。Oh，thesedoctors！MyGod！Wintertime！Therecametendaysofcoldmistsandwindandrain。Pneumonia。Butlookhere！Wetalkedalottogether。Daysandevenings。Whoelsehadshe？……Shetalkedalottome，myowngirl。Sometimesshewouldlaughalittle。Lookatmeandlaughalittle—"

Ishuddered。Helookedupvaguely，withachildish，puzzledmoodiness。

"Shewouldsay：’Ididnotreallymeantobeabaddaughtertoyou，papa。’AndIwouldsay：’Ofcourse，mydear。Youcouldnothavemeantit。’Shewouldliequietandthensay：’Iwonder？’

Andsometimes，’I’vebeenreallyacoward，’shewouldtellme。Youknow，sickpeopletheysaythings。Andsoshewouldsaytoo：

’I’vebeenconceited，headstrong，capricious。Isoughtmyowngratification。Iwasselfishorafraid。’……Butsickpeople，youknow，theysayanything。Andonce，afterlyingsilentalmostallday，shesaid：’Yes；perhaps，whenthedaycameIwouldnothavegone。Perhaps！Idon’tknow，’shecried。’Drawthecurtain，papa。Shuttheseaout。Itreproachesmewithmyfolly。’"Hegaspedandpaused。

"Soyousee，"hewentoninamurmur。"Veryill，veryillindeed。

Pneumonia。Verysudden。"Hepointedhisfingeratthecarpet，whilethethoughtofthepoorgirl，vanquishedinherstrugglewiththreemen’sabsurdities，andcomingatlasttodoubtherownself，heldmeinaveryanguishofpity。

"Youseeyourself，"hebeganagaininadowncastmanner。"Shecouldnothavereally……Shementionedyouseveraltimes。Goodfriend。Sensibleman。SoIwantedtotellyoumyself—letyouknowthetruth。Afellowlikethat！Howcoulditbe？Shewaslonely。Andperhapsforawhile……Merenothing。TherecouldneverhavebeenaquestionofloveformyFreya—suchasensiblegirl—"

"Man！"Icried，risinguponhimwrathfully，"don’tyouseethatshediedofit？"

Hegotuptoo。"No！no！"hestammered，asifangry。"Thedoctors！

Pneumonia。Lowstate。Theinflammationofthe……Theytoldme。

Pneu—"

Hedidnotfinishtheword。Itendedinasob。Heflunghisarmsoutinagestureofdespair，givinguphisghastlypretencewithalow，heartrendingcry：

"AndIthoughtthatshewassosensible！"