Bessie began to be impatient. The yacht was under way, and still the steward did not come; still her father, who had nothing to do with working the vessel, did not make his appearance. Had they forgotten that she was on board? If they had, it would be the most remarkable thing that ever occurred. She could not understand it. She knew, as the vessel was now sailing, that Levi must be at the helm, just at the head of the stairs, and she decided to go up and speak to him. She could see the stars through the opening of the companion-way, and she had no difficulty in finding her way out of the cabin.
"Levi?" said she, as she stepped upon deck.
"He is not here," replied Captain Gauley, who was at the helm.
"Where is he?" asked Bessie; and, without knowing that anything was wrong, things began to look a little strange to her, or rather to feel so, for she could not see anything.
"I really don't know where he is, just now," replied the helmsman. "But he cannot be far off."
"The steward has not lighted the cabin yet," added she.
"The captain told the steward not to do so."
"Did he—why?"
"I think you cannot be accustomed to sailing near the land at night," added Captain Gauley.
"I really am not."