cabin and, announced to his mother that he was going to the Ray, and would return on foot by the Strood.
A gurgle of objurgations rose from the hatchway, and followed the young man as he made his escape.
"I wouldn't have done it for another," said he; "the old lady is put out, and will not forgive me. It will be bad walking by the Strood, Glory! Can't you put me across to the Fresh Marsh?"
"If there is water enough I will do so. Be quick now. There is no time to spare."
He came down the ladder and stepped into the punt.
"Give me the oars, Glory. You sit in the stern and take the lanthorn."
"It is in the bows."
"I know that. But can you not understand, Glory, that when I am rowing, I like to see you? Hold the lanthorn so that I may get a peep of your face now and then."
"Do not be foolish, George," said Mehalah. However, she did as he asked, and the yellow dull light fell on her face, red handkerchief and cap.
"You look like a witch," laughed De Witt.
"I will steer; row as hard as you can, George," said the girl; then abruptly she exclaimed, "I have something for you. Take it now, and look at it afterwards."
She drew the medal from her bosom, and passing the riband over her head, leaned forward, and tossed the loop across his shoulders.
"Don't upset the boat. Glory! Sit still; a punt is an unsteady vessel, and won't bear dancing in. What is it that you have given me?"
"A keepsake."
"I shall always keep it. Glory, for the sake of the girl I love best in the world. Now tell me; am I to row up Mersea channel or the Rhyn?"
"There is water enough in the Rhyn, though we shall not be able to reach our hard. You row on, and do not trouble yourself about the direction; I will steer. We shall land on the Saltings. That is why I have brought the lanthorn with me."
"What are you doing with the light?"
