`` Perhaps he has fallen asleep over his life-book , '' she said anxiously , `` or become so absorbed in it that he has forgotten the light . '' Gilbert shook his head . `` That would n't be like Captain Jim . Anyway , I 'm going down to see . '' `` Wait a minute and I 'll go with you , '' exclaimed Anne . `` Oh , yes , I must -- Little Jem will sleep for an hour yet , and I 'll call Susan . You may need a woman 's help if Captain Jim is ill . '' 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 XXXXX one who has long sought and found at last .
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