But some one tried to injure you--it is no jesting matter--" "Some lunatic escaped from the steerage, probably.

I shall report it to the officers." "Yes, it should be reported," said Shirley.
"It was very strange.

Why, the deck of the _King Edward_ is the safest place in the world; but it's something to have had hold of a sea-serpent, or a pirate! I hope you will forgive me for bringing you into such an encounter; but if you hadn't caught his cloak--" Armitage was uncomfortable, and anxious to allay her fears.

The incident was by no means trivial, as he knew.

Passengers on the great transatlantic steamers are safeguarded by every possible means; and the fact that he had been attacked in the few minutes that the deck lights had been out of order pointed to an espionage that was both close and daring.