ptain Warren, is this your
niece's apartment?"

"Yes, hers and Steve's. Why, what's the matter? Ain't goin', are you?"

"I think perhaps I had better. It is getting late."

"Late! It's only the shank of the evenin'. Jim, I ain't so blind that I
can't see through an open window. It ain't the lateness that makes you
want to leave so sudden. Is there some trouble between you and Caroline?
Course, it's none of my business, and you needn't tell me unless you
want to."

The answer was prompt enough.

"No," replied Pearson. "No. I assure you there is nothing of that kind.
I--I met Miss Warren. In fact, at one time we were well acquainted. I
have the very highest opinion of her. But I think it is best to--"

"Just a minute now. No trouble with Steve? He's a boy and at an age when
he's pretty well satisfied with himself and you have to make allowance."

"No. Steve and I were quite friendly. I'm sorry to cut my visit short,
but it is late and I _must_ go."

He was moving toward the door. Captain Elisha looked at him intently.

"Well, if you must," he said. "But I hope you'll come again soon. Will
you?"

"I hope I may. I give you my word, Captain, that I appreciate your
invitation, and I do want to know you better."

"Same here. I don't often take sudden fancies, Jim, but I knew your
uncle, and I'd bet consider'ble on any member of his family. And I _was_
kind of interested in that novel of yours. You haven't said you'd come
again. Will you?"

Pearson was much embarrassed.

"I should like to come, immensely," he said, with an earnestness
unmistakable; "but--but, to be honest, Captain Warren, there is a
reason, one which I may tell you sometime, but can't now--neither Miss
Warren nor her brother have any part in it--which makes me reluctant to
visit you here. Won't you come and see me at the boarding house? Here's
the address. _Will_ you come?"

"Sartin! I figured on doin' it, if you gave me the chance."

"Thank you, you'll be welcome. Of course it is _only_ a boarding house,
and not a very good one. My own room is--well, different from this."

"Yup. Maybe that's why I expect to feel at home in it. Good night, Jim.
Thank you for callin'. Shall I ring for the Commodore to pilot you out?"

"No, I can find my way. I--Someone is coming."

From the hall came the clang of the elevator door and the sound of
voices. Before the captain or his friend could move, Caroline, Stephen,
Mrs. Corcoran Dunn, and Malcolm entered