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 go with me to keep me from jumping overboard;—I feel kind of despondent. I expect you and I could find a place out here on the top deck among all these boats where my family wouldn't be liable to come, and we could sit down and get a whole lot of ozone." He rose, looking at her in genial confidence. "How about it?"

Again it was time for the lightnings to destroy this man. Playwright and painter and poet, already uneasily aware that the outlander had been monopolizing the attention of the tolerant lady, now were sure that his hour was come. He had gone too far; and for the incredible audacity of his proposal, as well as for the offensive artlessness with which it had been made, he would now be beautifully and permanently annihilated. But as the three sat hopefully expectant, Mme. Momoro smiled amiably and rose.

"If you think it will be of benefit," she said. "I am always a philanthropist." And with a charming nod of farewell over her shoulder, she moved at once toward the open door.

"My glory!" Tinker said, as they stepped out upon the small after-deck beyond. "I feel any amount better already."

He was tall enough to look down upon her, and he