Of course, it was at the sight of blood she was dismayed; women seldom can see it without more or less alarm; and, besides, it had dabbled the side of her dress—my blood, shed for her, but, alas, shed in vain!
“It’s too bad. I’m sorry it stained your dress; really, I didn’t know I was hurt,” I managed to stammer, in some confusion, for the sudden change in thought that it was the gown and not my condition which caused her dismay gave me a bad turn.
There was not time for further conversation.
We had reached the water front at last, thank goodness! and now for a change of base.
Just as I had pictured in my mind, there was the noble harbor, with the little waves shimmering in the soft starlight, and lapping the shore with that slumberous murmur so pleasing to the romantic soul.
Eagerly I threw my gaze far out upon the bay to where I had last seen my yacht.
Her anchorage had not been changed, and her lights were plainly visible; indeed, it seemed to me she was unusually illuminated.
A cry from Robbins drew my attention to another quarter:
“A steamer in port! Arrived after sundown!”
Sure enough, not a great distance away from the yacht, other lights could be seen, indicating the huge, black hulk of a steamer at anchor.