"But if any one asked you, would you refuse?"
"I don't know. I did not want any one on board," Moriz answered uneasily.
"If you knew it would do some one a great service? I am rich, and would pay you well; so do not hesitate on that account."
"Is it you who wish to go?"
Miriam blushed, and bit her lip angrily. She had not intended to betray her secret so soon.
"Yes, it is I, and two other people. Will you take us, and set us down on one of those small islands on the coast, where no one would find us?"
Moriz hesitated; but he could not withstand the eager pleading in the slumbrous eyes, the intense pathos in the sweet voice.
"Yes," he said at last, very slowly, "I will take you on board; but you must be ready by to-morrow night. I cannot wait for stragglers," trying to force much severity into his tones.
"Oh, thank you! I am content now. Do not fear; we shall be in time. Until then adieu," she said softly.
And, with a graceful bow, she departed.