She stood for several seconds looking towards him with shining, radiant eyes. Then she moved forward. Merefleet's eyes were fixed upon her. He could not have looked away just then. He was absurdly uncertain of himself.
She paused near him with the light pouring full upon her. Her eyes met his with a momentary questioning. Then ruthlessly she broke the spell.
"Say, now!" she said in brisk, high tones. "Isn't that searchlight thing a real cute invention?"
CHAPTER III
Merefleet shivered at the words. He did not answer her. The shock had been too great. He sat stiff and silent, waiting for more.
The American girl looked at him with a pitying little smile. She was wholly unabashed.
"I reckon the man who invented searchlights was no fool," she remarked. "I just wish that quaint old battleship would come right along here. It's not exciting, this place."
"New Silverstrand would be more to your taste, I fancy," said Merefleet, reluctantly forced to speak.
The smile on the beautiful face developed into a wicked little gleam of amusement. "That's so, I daresay," said the high voice. "But you see, I wasn't consulted. I've just got to go where I'm taken."