“Skal to the Viking!” yelled old Sturleson, the Swedish captain, his sunburnt face glowing red with triumph as Claudius clapped the woollen cap over the mast-head.

“Well done, indeed, man!” bawled the Duke.

“Well,” said Barker, “it was worth the money, anyhow.”

There was a faint exclamation from the door of the after-cabin; but none of the three men heard it, nor did they see a horror-struck face, stony and wide-eyed, staring up at the mast-head, where the Doctor’s athletic figure swayed far out over the water with the motion of the yacht.  Time had flown, and the bright sunlight streaming down into the ladies’ cabin had made Margaret long for a breath of fresh air; so that when Lady Victoria appeared, in all sorts of jersies and blue garments, fresh and ready for anything, the two had made common cause and ventured up the companion without any manly assistance.  It chanced that they came out on the deck at the very moment when Claudius was accomplishing his feat, and seeing the three men looking intently at something aloft, Margaret looked too, and was horrified at what she saw.  Lady Victoria caught her and held her tightly, or she would have lost her footing with the lurch of the vessel.  Lady Victoria raised her eyes also, and took in the situation at a glance.

“Don’t be afraid,” she said, “he can take care of himself, no doubt.  My brother used to be able to do it before he grew so big.”

Claudius descended rapidly, but almost lost his hold when he saw Margaret leaning against the taffrail.  He would not have had her see him for worlds, and there she was, and she had evidently witnessed the whole affair.  Before he had reached the deck, the Duke had seen her too, and hastened to her side.  She was evidently much agitated.

“How can you allow such things?” she said indignantly, her dark eyes flashing at him.

“I had nothing to say about it, Countess.  But he did it magnificently.”

Claudius had reached the deck, and eluding the compliments of Barker and Sturleson, hastened to the cuddy door, bowing to the ladies as he passed.  He meant to beat a retreat to his cabin.  But Margaret was determined to call him to account for having given her such a fright.

“Dr. Claudius,” said the voice that he loved and feared.

“Yes, Countess,” said he, steadying himself by the door as the vessel lurched.

“Will you please come here?  I want to speak to you.”  He moved to her side, waiting his chance between two seas.  “Do you think you have a right to risk your life in such follies?” she asked, when he was close to her.  The Duke and Lady Victoria were near by.

“I do not think I have risked my life, Countess.  I have often done it before.”

“Do you think, then, that you have a right to do such things in the sight of nervous women?”

“No, Countess, I pretend to no such brutality, and I am very sincerely sorry that you should have unexpectedly seen me.  I apologise most humbly to you and to Lady Victoria for having startled you;” he bowed to the Duke’s sister as he spoke, and moved to go away.  He had already turned when Margaret’s face softened.