He did not know that the object of his anxious thoughts was so near, as he stood looking seaward, with a dark frown upon his face.

As the soldier moored the little boat, and prepared to help Dexie ashore, she suddenly said:  “I gave you the revolver, but will you mind giving me the rest of the bullets in it?”

He looked at her in surprise.

“Certainly,” he replied, and he laid them in her hand, “but I think you will find them unpleasant reminders of an incident you would do well to forget.  A man in love is often a desperate individual, without realizing his condition; and I have no doubt that, by this time, McNeil would do much to recall what passed this afternoon.  So let me ask you, for him, to forgive it.”

“I could forgive all but the revolver part of it.  That was premeditated, and I shall not forget it.  Let me thank you again for your kind assistance.  I shall always think better of the soldiers for your kindness to me.”

“I am amply repaid, my fair warbler,” replied the soldier, as they stood at last on the wharf, “and if your excitable lover ever asks for his revolver, here is my address,” and he handed her a card; “but, if I mistake not, a friend is waiting for you,” and he waved his hand towards Lancy.

At that moment Lancy turned, and seeing the object of his thoughts so near, and in company with a soldier, his face underwent a series of expressions.  But it was really Dexie, though he could scarcely believe his own eyesight, and he was at her side in a moment.

“Why, Dexie! where have you been?  We were afraid there had been an accident.”

A hundred questions were on his lips, but the presence of the soldier kept them back.

“I have been in danger, but there has been no accident, Lancy; and you must thank this gentleman for bringing me safely home.”

As the memory of it all passed before her, her self-control gave way, and covering her face with her hands she burst into tears.

This was rather embarrassing to Lancy, who was all in the dark in regard to Dexie’s movements.  He was told that she had gone off with Hugh, and here she was in company with a soldier, and in tears.

“She will be all right in a few minutes,” the officer replied, in answer to Lancy’s surprised looks.  “She has gone through enough to try a strong woman’s nerves.  Wait here; I’ll get that cab, if it is empty, and you can take her home at once,” and he darted up the wharf at a rapid pace.

“Where is Hugh?” said Lancy hurriedly; “not drowned, Dexie?”

“No; not that I know of,” she said, choking back her tears.

“Then, what does all this mean?  How came you to be out with the soldier, Dexie?  I don’t know what to think.”

“I will tell you presently, but that soldier saved my life.  Thank him for me, Lancy, for I cannot say enough.”

The arrival of the cab prevented further explanation, and Dexie allowed herself to be seated in it without a word.