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152 I have secured a passage, but we must not lose a minute." They had scarcely time to get on board. Dizzy with the motion of the water, confused with the noise, terrified to think she would be alone in a few minutes,—much as she wished to spare his anxiety, Beatrice could hardly force out her fare well thanks to Alvarez. Mechanically she watched him as he descended to the boat—heavily the sound of the oars smote upon her ear—she looked eagerly round, but every face was strange and careless: how bitterly did she feel that she was alone! "I guess how it is," said the captain of the ship, whose kind and even sweet voice contrasted strongly with his rough appearance; "you are not the first who has found a canvass sail safer than a silken bed. Poor child! you look very young for care or hardship. Well, you are secure enough here: if we cannot make you comfortable, at least we will try. In half an hour you will have a snug little cabin to yourself." Beatrice had early learnt the useful lesson of conforming to circumstances: she thanked the captain cheerfully, and readily took a seat on some piled baskets. "Give me the child to