the neater for
the use of hoe and rake.

It was too late in the season, of course, for much new growth in the
vegetable beds; but the half-hearted attention of John-Ed, junior,
had never brought about this metamorphosis, Tunis well knew. He went
on to the Latham house, feeling well pleased. Aside from all other
considerations, he was glad to know that his Machiavellian plan had
brought about these good results.

He did not have much time to spend with Sheila, for the _Seamew's_
freighting business was good. He never remained ashore but one night
between trips, and he spent that evening with his Aunt Lucretia,
whose enjoyment of his presence in the house was none the less keen
because inarticulate.

But when he started off across the fields for the port in the early
morning he saw Sheila's rising light, and she was at the back door
to greet him when he went past. They stole a little time to be
together there, whispering outside the door so as not to awaken
Cap'n Ira and Prudence. And Tunis Latham went on to the wharf where
the _Seamew_ tied up with a warmth at his heart which he had never
experienced before.

That another girl rose betimes on these mornings and waited and
watched for him to pass, the young schooner captain never noticed.
That Eunez Pareta should be lingering about the edge of Portygee
Town as he came down from the Head made small impression on his
mind. He never particularly remarked her presence or her smile as
being for him alone. It was that Eunez did not count in any of his
calculations.

"That girl at Cap'n Ball's place, Tunis," said the Portygee girl.
"Does she like it up there?"

"Oh, yes! She's getting on fine," was his careless response.

"And will they keep her?"

"Of course they will keep her." He laughed. "Who wouldn't, if they
got the chance?"

"_Si?_" Eunez commented sibilantly.

Naturally, many people besides Eunez Pareta in and about Big Wreck
Cove were interested in the coming of the stranger to Cap'n Ira
Ball's. Those housewives who lived on Wreckers' Head and in the
vicinity were able more easily to call at the Ball homestead for the
express purpose of meeting and becoming acquainted with "Sarah
Honey's daughter." And they did so.

"I'd got into the way of thinking," remarked Cap'n Ball dryly, "that
most folks--'ceptin' John-Ed and his wife--had got the notion we'd
dried up here, Prue and me, and blowed away. Some of 'em ain't never
come near in six months. I swan!"