I am sorry you were startled; and I am under greatest obligations to you, Miss Claiborne.

Why, you actually pulled the fellow away!" "Oh, no," she returned lightly, but still breathing hard; "it was the instinct of self-preservation.

I was unsteady on my feet for a moment, and sought something to take hold of.

That pirate was the nearest thing, and I caught hold of his cloak; I'm sure it was a cloak, and that makes me sure he was a human villain of some sort.

He didn't feel in the least like a sea-serpent.