The _Ghost_ was deserted.

It was Maud's and mine.
I thought of the ship's stores and the lazarette beneath the cabin, and the idea came to me of surprising Maud with something nice for breakfast.
The reaction from my fear, and the knowledge that the terrible deed I had come to do was no longer necessary, made me boyish and eager.

I went up the steerage companion-way two steps at a time, with nothing distinct in my mind except joy and the hope that Maud would sleep on until the surprise breakfast was quite ready for her.

As I rounded the galley, a new satisfaction was mine at thought of all the splendid cooking utensils inside.

I sprang up the break of the poop, and saw--Wolf Larsen.