longed in fact to Mrs Bosenna, and had
been hired from her by the Technical Instruction Committee for a small
sum; but Cai did not happen to know this, for the arrangement had been
made some weeks ago, before his elevation to the School Board.

It was with a shock of surprise, therefore, that on passing the gate he
found Mrs Bosenna close within, engaged in talk with two rosy-faced
farmers; and, moreover, it brought a rush of blood to his face, for he
had neither seen her nor heard from her since the fatal morning.
There was, however, no way of retreat, and he stepped wide to avoid the
group, lifting his hat awkwardly as he passed, not daring to meet the
lady's eyes.

"Captain Hocken!" she called cheerfully.

"Ma'am?" Cai halted in confusion.

"Come here for a moment--that is, if it doesn't interrupt your duties--
and be introduced to our two ploughing judges. Mr Widger of Callington,
Mr Sam Nicholls of St Neot--Captain Hocken." Cai's cheeks in rosiness
emulated those of the two men with whom he shook hands. "Captain
Hocken," she explained to them, "takes a great interest in education."

For a moment it struck Cai that the pair, on hearing this, eyed him
suspiciously; but his brain was in a whirl, and he might easily have
been mistaken.

"Not at all," he stammered; "that is, I mean--I am new to this business,
you see."

"You are a practical man, I hope, sir?' asked Mr Nicholls.

"I--I've spent the most part of my life at sea, if you'd count that
bein' practical," said Cai modestly.

"To be sure I do," Mr Nicholls assented. "It's as practical as farmin',
almost."

"In a manner o' speakin' it is," agreed Mr Widger grudgingly.
"Men haven't all the same gifts. Now you'll hardly believe what
happened to me the only time I ever took a sea trip."

"No?" politely queried Cai.

"I was sick," said Mr Widger, in a tone of vast reminiscent surprise.

"It _does_ happen sometimes."

"Yes," repeated Mr Widger, "sick I was. It took place in Plymouth
Sound: and you don't catch me tryin' the sea again."

"Now what," inquired Mr Nicholls, "might be your opinion about Labour
Exemption Certificates, Captain Hocken?"

Cai was gravelled. His alleged interest in education had not as yet
extended to a study of the subject.

Mrs Bosenna came to the rescue. Talk about education (she protested)
was the last thing she could abide. Before the ploughing began she
wanted to show Captain Hocken some work the hedgers had