But I know not how you came here--tell me, you are not really one of these wretches ?" "No; you must believe that first of all, and trust me." "I do--but--but tell me all you can." "Is there a divan here, or anywhere we can sit down together?
I can see nothing in this darkness." "Yes, hold my hand while I guide you; we can sit here." It was a couch of some kind against the outer wall.

She did not release her grasp, seemingly gaining courage from this physical contact, and my fingers closed warmly over her own.
"Now please," breathlessly, "how is it possible you are aboard this vessel--an officer ?" I told her the strange story, as swiftly and simply as possible, speaking scarcely above a whisper, feeling as I progressed that I related a dream rather than a series of facts.

It seemed to me she could scarcely be expected to believe the truth of what I said, and yet she did, almost unquestioningly, the clasp of her fingers perceptibly tightening as I proceeded.

The soft light from the open port touched her face slightly, enough to reveal its outline and she sat so close beside me, her eyes uplifted to mine, that I could feel her breath upon my cheek.
"Why, if---if you had not told me this yourself I could hardly believe such a tale," she exclaimed.

"Yet it must be true, miraculous as it seems.