inking for
a time their differences, eyed him with every sign of strong
disapprobation, Mrs. Banks giving vent to a sniff which disparaged the
whole race of man.

"As for men who fall overboard and get picked up and turn up months
afterwards," continued the faithful Nibletts, "why, every sailorman
knows scores of 'em."

"I knowed seven," said Captain Barber, with the exactness of untruth.
"They didn't seem to think much of it, didn't seem to think it anything
unusual, I mean."

"It ain't," said Nibletts, stoutly.

The room relapsed into silence, and Captain Nibletts, finding Mrs.
Church's gaze somewhat trying got up to admire a beautiful oil painting
on glass in a black frame which hung over the mantelpiece, and after a
few encomiums on his host's taste, bade him good-bye.

"I'm coming with you," said Barber, rising; "I've got some business to
talk about."

"What, out again," said Mrs. Church, tenderly, "after being on your poor
feet all day?"

Captain Barber murmured something inaudible in reply, and taking his hat
from the sideboard went out with Nibletts, For a time they trudged along
in silence until the latter, who wanted to go to his own home, ventured
to ask where they were going.

"All places are alike to me," replied the old man, dismally. "I only
want to get away, that's all. She an' Mrs. Banks are sure to have a turn
and try and drag me into it."

He clasped his hands behind his back, and, pausing at a turn of the
road, looked down upon the little quay below. Out in the river two or
three small craft rode at anchor, while a bauble of cheerful voices from
a distant boat only served to emphasise the stillness of the evening.

"Looks quiet," said Captain Nibletts, after watching him for some time.

"I'm thinking of my nevy," said Captain Barber, slowly. "I remember me
an' my sister bringing 'im here when he was three year old, and I 'ad
to carry him all the way back. He put his arms round my neck, and I can
smell peppermint-ball now."

Captain Nibletts, who did not quite follow him, attributed the outrage
to a young couple who had just passed.

"I'm all alone now," continued Captain Barber, unheeding, "but I
don't want to marry. Why not? 'Cos I'm too old, and because it's like
beginning where other people leave off."

"Well, make up your mind and tell her so," said the other.

"It wouldn't do any good," said Barber, dolefully.

"Tell her to-night," said Nibletts, "Come into the Thorn and hav