, I see!" The girl caught her breath, and her face flushed. "They
might think I'm not exactly straight; is that it?"

"Mebbe they might, an' that would make it hard fer me an' Eben."

"But won't they listen to reason, Captain? Surely they will believe
you and your son."

"They might, Miss, but I don't like to face 'em. I'm no coward when it
comes to runnin' this craft in a nasty gale, or doin' something extry
risky; but I do wilt right down before Martha an' Flo when their
ginger's up. Why, a man hasn't a ghost of a chance with them women.
They're a wonder, an' no mistake."

"Then what do you intend to do?"

"Do! Why, thar's only one thing to do in sich a case, an' that is to
give 'em the go-by, an' then git clear of you. As soon as we reach the
quarry you'll have to light out. I hate to say it, Miss, but thar's
too much at stake fer me to keep ye on board any longer. I should have
sent ye away before this, but ye wouldn't go, so what was I to do?"

"I am really sorry that I have given you so much trouble," the girl
apologised. "I am very grateful for what you have already done, and as
soon as I reach the quarry I shall leave you at once. I know I have
placed you in a most embarrassing position."

"An' what do ye intend to do after ye leave this boat?" the captain
somewhat anxiously enquired.

"I have not the slightest idea. But I am not going to worry about that
now. I shall be free, and that will be worth a great deal to me."

When dinner was at last over, they were again upon deck. Jess had
prepared a tempting meal, and while she and the captain dined, Eben
took his turn at the wheel. The boy had hardly spoken a word after his
father's return from the store, but a new light shone in his eyes, and
his step was more buoyant than before. The furtive look that he at
times cast upon the fair passenger was one of profound admiration. To
him she was the most beautiful and wonderful person he had ever met,
and her words of encouragement and appreciation had fallen upon his
lonely soul like a refreshing rain upon a thirsty land.

The wind was stronger now, and running through the wide stretch of
water, known as the "Long Reach," the boat encountered heavy swells,
through which she surged, dashing the spray from her bow at each
plunge. The captain was unusually silent, and Jess noticed that he was
becoming somewhat nervous. This became more apparent the farther up
the river they moved, and it was