be the prey of slimy, crawling things, that--" But she could go
no further, and with a little moan she buried her head in her arms,
and sank sobbing to the floor.

For days Miss Porter was ill, and would see no one except Hazel and
the faithful Esmeralda. When at last she came on deck all were
struck by the sad change that had taken place in her. She was
no longer the alert, vivacious American beauty who had charmed
and delighted all who came in contact with her. Instead she was
a very quiet and sad little girl--with an expression of hopeless
wistfulness that none but Hazel Strong could interpret.

The entire party strove their utmost to cheer and amuse her, but
all to no avail. Occasionally the jolly Lord Tennington would wring
a wan smile from her, but for the most part she sat with wide eyes
looking out across the sea.

With Jane Porter's illness one misfortune after another seemed to
attack the yacht. First an engine broke down, and they drifted for
two days while temporary repairs were being made. Then a squall
struck them unaware, that carried overboard nearly everything above
deck that was portable. Later two of the seamen fell to fighting
in the forecastle, with the result that one of them was badly
wounded with a knife, and the other had to be put in irons. Then,
to cap the climax, the mate fell overboard at night, and was drowned
before help could reach him. The yacht cruised about the spot for
ten hours, but no sign of the man was seen after he disappeared
from the deck into the sea.

Every member of the crew and guests was gloomy and depressed after