ance. I know I should be
about Flo."

"Her father isn't home," the man explained. "He's away somewhere on a
business trip. As for her mother, well----" He paused, pulled a plug
of tobacco out of his pocket, and bit off a chew. Then he turned to
his companions. "Come, boys, suppose we get back? We've wasted too
much time already."

The captain watched them as they rowed away, and his eyes twinkled with
merriment. He was smiling when he returned to the cabin. The girl
there was smiling, too, although it was easy to tell that she had been
greatly agitated.

"Have they gone?" she asked in a low voice.

"Oh, yes, they've gone back to look fer you. Say, Miss, I don't like
this bizness one bit. It's a mighty spooky affair, an' gits on me
nerves. Don't ye feel a bit shaky yerself?"

"I suppose I should," the girl thoughtfully replied. "But under the
circumstances I can't. Don't you remember what that man told you?"

"About you marryin' that Lord Fiddlesticks?"

"Yes, though that is not his name."

"I know it isn't, but it doesn't matter. But, thar, I must take some
grub to Eben. He'll be down here soon, I'm sartin, if I don't head him
off. Thar's nuthin' like grub to hold that boy in check. I've got to
go ashore this mornin' to git some tea. Eben fergot all about it last
night."

"Will you get a few things for me?" the girl asked. "I will make out a
list at once."

"I was expectin' something like that, Miss. I knew ye wouldn't be
satisfied with what this cabin contains, but would want many things
extry. I s'pose ye'll order a hull outfit of table linen, a set of
chiny dishes, a new coffee pot, an' dear knows what all. I'd have to
go to the city fer them things."

"No, not at all," the girl laughingly replied. "I can get along nicely
with what you have here. I only need something for myself, as I came
away without anything, not even a comb. I hope you don't mind."

"Oh, I don't mind, as fer as I'm consarned. But I'm wonderin' what
Martha an' Flo'll think if they ever hear of it."

"I am sure they will be pleased, Captain, when they know how kind you
have been to an unfortunate girl. When I see them I shall explain, so
everything will be all right."

"I hope so, Miss. But if ye knew Martha as well as I do mebbe ye
wouldn't feel so sure. Anyway, I s'pose it can't be helped now. Jist
have yer list ready when I come back from feedin' Eben, an' I'll do the
best I kin."

CHAPTE