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276 Mehalah wrung her hands and moaned.

"I have a notion," continued George, "that Rebow was somehow privy to my being pressed; for he went out that afternoon to the Salamander in his cutter, and had a private talk with Captain Macpherson, who was short of men. Now I fancy, though I can't prove it, that he schemed with the captain how he should catch me, and that Elijah with set purpose took me into the trap set for me. He is deep enough to do such a dirty trick."

Mehalah's head sank on her knees, and she sobbed aloud.

"And now, Glory, dearest!" he went on, "the rascal has got you to marry him, I am told. How could you take him? Why did you not wait for me? You were promised to me, and we looked on one another as soon to be husband and wife. You must have soon forgotten your promise."

"I thought you were dead," she gasped.

"So did my mother. I do not understand. Elijah knew better."

"But he told no one. He allowed us all to suppose you were drowned in one of the fleets."

"It is very hard," said George, "for a fellow to return from the wars to reclaim his girl, and to find her no longer his. It is a great blow to me. Glory! I did so love and admire you."

She could only sway to and fro in her distress.

"It is very disappointing to a chap," said George, putting a quid in his cheek. "When he has calculated on getting a nice girl as his wife, and in battle and storm has had thoughts of her to cheer and encourage him; when he has some prize-money in his pocket, and hopes to spend it on her—well, it is hard."

"George," said she between her sobs, "why did you return the medal? I gave it you, and you swore never to part with it. You should not have sent it to me."

"Did I really swear that. Glory?" he answered. "If so, I had forgotten. You see I was so set upon and flustered that night, I did not rightly consider things as they should have been considered." He stopped.