UNDER WAY The negro brought the girl's lunch on a tray, and I took it in to her, barely pausing long enough to speak a few encouraging words, for fear of some interruption.

Then I sat down and watched while the remnants of our meal were being removed.

Except for an occasional footstep on the deck above, and the swift movements of the steward, nothing interrupted my thoughts.

After Louis had carried the last dishes into his pantry, and run the table up on its stanchions, he also disappeared, and in the silence I could hear the heavy breathing of the sleeping mate.

For the first time I comprehended clearly the entire situation, and I could face it with understanding.