Nita and Lizette both shrieked simultaneously, and sprung to their feet. Mr. Irwin also arose in alarm.
Nita caught his arm in a convulsive grasp.
"Oh, what is it? I am so frightened!" she shuddered, and just then the sound came again—two pistol-shots across the water.
[CHAPTER XV.]
A DUEL ON THE BEACH.
Mr. Irwin was a nervous, timid man, and the two women clinging to him alarmed him almost as much as did the mysterious shots from the shore. He saw the captain of the yacht hovering near, and beckoned him frantically to his assistance. The jolly sailor approached and exclaimed:
"Ladies, ladies, you need not feel the least alarm. It's only somebody shooting seagulls."
This plausible excuse had an instant effect on the mistress and maid. They released the trembling Irwin, and Nita blushingly apologized for her extreme nervousness. In a few minutes more the captain observed: