Page:Barbour--Joan of the ilsand.djvu/93

 CARCELY a word was spoken in the whale-boat during the half hour that followed Peter Pan's departure on his perilous errand. Keith and the girl sat together in the stern, while one of the blacks, painter in hand, stood on the reef and held the boat from drifting. Either because her eyes were becoming more accustomed to the gloom, or because it was growing a shade lighter, Joan could now faintly see the face of the man by her side. Once he put his hand lightly on her arm. Although it was only a message of reassurance, it disconcerted her. She knew that such an act at such a time was not intended as a caress, and was glad the darkness hid the flush that the slight touch of his hand had summoned to her cheeks. Curiously enough, she was not conscious of danger with Keith near, though danger there undoubtedly was. They were three miles from Tao Tao, with half a gale blowing, and enveloped by blackness which would make their safe return to the island a problem, for even if they had dared to strike a light they had no compass.

"Do—do you think anything can have hap- 81