"What do you think about it?" I demanded. "Is it not worth while for us
to explore Black Bayou?"

He nodded in a dazed sort of way, but his gaze remained riveted on the
girl. Presently he said:

"Why does Miss Grey go?"

She turned in surprise:

"Why am I going? But it is _my_ discovery--_my_ contribution to science,
isn't it?"

"Certainly!" we exclaimed warmly and in unison. And Kemper added: "I was
only thinking of the dangers and hardships. Smith and I could do the
actual work--"

"Oh!" she cried in quick protest, "I wouldn't miss one moment of the
excitement, one pain, one pang! I _love_ it! It would simply break my
heart not to share every chance, hazard, danger of this expedition--every
atom of hope, excitement, despair, uncertainty--and the ultimate
success--the unsurpassable thrill of exultation in the final instant
of triumph!"

She sprang to her feet in a flash of uncontrollable enthusiasm, and stood
there, aglow with courage and resolution, making a highly agreeable
picture in her apron and cuffs, the sea wind fluttering the bright
tendrils of her hair under her dainty cap.

We got to our feet much impressed; and now absolutely convinced that