The sight of the newcomer startled Iris more than any other event that had happened since the _Andromeda_ reached the end of her last voyage.

He wore the uniform of those dreadful beings whom she had seen on the island.
She shrieked; Hozier fancied she had sprained an ankle; but before she could utter any sort of explanation the apparition in uniform was by her side, and murmuring words that were evidently meant to be reassuring.

Seeing that he was not understood, he broke into halting French.
"Courage, madame!" he said.

"Il faut monter--encore un peu--et donc--vous etes arrive.

.