“An’ what do ye intend to do after ye leave this boat?” the captain somewhat anxiously enquired.

“I have not the slightest idea.  But I am not going to worry about that now.  I shall be free, and that will be worth a great deal to me.”

When dinner was at last over, they were again upon deck.  Jess had prepared a tempting meal, and while she and the captain dined, Eben took his turn at the wheel.  The boy had hardly spoken a word after his father’s return from the store, but a new light shone in his eyes, and his step was more buoyant than before.  The furtive look that he at times cast upon the fair passenger was one of profound admiration.  To him she was the most beautiful and wonderful person he had ever met, and her words of encouragement and appreciation had fallen upon his lonely soul like a refreshing rain upon a thirsty land.

The wind was stronger now, and running through the wide stretch of water, known as the “Long Reach,” the boat encountered heavy swells, through which she surged, dashing the spray from her bow at each plunge.  The captain was unusually silent, and Jess noticed that he was becoming somewhat nervous.  This became more apparent the farther up the river they moved, and it was not until they had passed one of the three islands, which here studded the river, did she comprehend the meaning of the captain’s uneasiness.  With hands firmly grasping the wheel, he often cast his eyes shoreward, as if searching for some special object.  Presently he emitted an exclamation of annoyance, and turned suddenly to the girl by his side.

“Git into the cabin,” he ordered.  “Martha’s got the glass on us.  I kin see her at the front door.  Hustle.  I don’t want her to see ye.  But ye needn’t go all the way down, Miss.  Jist set within the door, so she can’t see ye.”

Jess quickly obeyed, and perched upon the second step from the top, she waited to see what would happen.

“Does your wife always use the glass?” she at length asked.

“Allus, Miss.  Guess she’s had it turned on us ever since we hove in sight.  Hope to goodness she hasn’t spied you out.”

The house toward which the captain’s attention was directed, stood upon a gentle elevation, with a well-kept garden, sloping to the river.  It was a cosy-looking place, and the surrounding trees protected the house from the storms of winter.  The building was painted white, with dark trimmings, and owing to its situation, could be seen for miles from the river.  The captain was naturally proud of his home, and was always glad when it appeared in sight.  But this day was the first exception during his long years of boating.  His face became stern, and his hands gripped the wheel harder than ever as he set his mind upon the task of running by that snug cottage on the hill side.  Why had he been such a fool, he asked himself, as to let this strange runaway girl remain on board?  He should have notified the search party at once as to her whereabouts, and delivered her into their hands.  His heart, however, softened as he glanced down and saw the girl’s wistful eyes fixed full upon his face.