It was an exquisite morning , full of tints and sounds at once ripe and delicate . The harbor was sparkling and dimpling like a girl ; white gulls were soaring over the dunes ; beyond the bar was a shining , wonderful sea . The long fields by the shore were dewy and fresh in that first fine , purely-tinted light . The wind came dancing and whistling up the channel to replace the beautiful silence with a music more beautiful still . Had it not been for the baleful star on the white tower that early walk would have been a delight to Anne and Gilbert . But they went softly with fear . Their knock was not responded to . Gilbert opened the door and they went in . The old room was very quiet . On the table were the remnants of the little evening feast . The lamp still burned on the corner stand . The First Mate was asleep in a square of sunshine by the sofa . Captain Jim lay on the sofa , with his hands clasped over the life-book , open at the last page , lying on his breast . His eyes were closed and on his face was a look of the most perfect peace and happiness -- the look of one who has long sought and found at last . `` He is asleep ? '' whispered Anne tremulously . Gilbert went to the sofa and bent over him for a few moments . Then he straightened up . `` Yes , he sleeps -- well , '' he added quietly . `` Anne , Captain Jim has crossed the bar . ''
They could not know precisely XXXXX what hour he had died , but Anne always believed that he had had his wish , and went out when the morning came across the gulf .
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