"People of our nerve should not be embarrassed by anything on earth." He arose and assisted her to her feet.

Then, slipping his arm through hers, he started for the companionway.

"The prospect of being brother and sister for ten thousand miles is rather obnoxious to me," he went on.

She looked at him in surprise and then blushed faintly.

As they descended the steps, he put his arm around her shoulder.