nap you
right in two."

"I don't mind the cold, Ben; I wanted to talk to you."

"Wal, if there's any one thing Ben Benson kin do for you, you've only
jest to mention it, and consider it done a'ready."

"I know it, Ben, and that is why I come. I wanted to ask you something."

"Why, you're shakin' worse nor a poplar leaf, and you're as white as if
you hadn't a drop of blood in your precious little body. What on arth's
the matter with you, Lina? See that ere dog; now, ain't he a pretty
specimen of an animal exotic to be out of a hot house in such a wind as
this."

Ben gathered the shivering little creature to his bosom with one hand,
snugly enveloping him in the capacious folds of his pilot jacket, while
with the other he seized Lina's hands, and leaning back against the
boat, stood looking at her with a half-pitying, half-affectionate
glance, that was indescribably comic and touching.

"I should like to know what Mister Ralph was a-thinkin' on, to let you
come out alone sich a day as this."

That name made Lina shudder, and a sudden spasm contracted her features.

"No one knew that I was coming out. Oh, Ben! I want to ask something--do
not refuse to tell me, or I shall die! How came I here--where was I
born--oh, who am I, Ben?"

"Sakes alive! How she goes on! One question at a time, if _you_ please,
Miss Lina! What on arth's been putting sich ideas into your little head?
Now no circumwenting--speak the truth, if you be a woman."

"Oh, Ben, I have always wondered and longed to know something about
myself, and of late, this desire has increased. I can think of nothing
else. Do not put me off--I shall die if I am kept longer in this
suspense."

Ben began to hug the pretty dog more and more tenderly to his bosom, as
if it was that which needed comforting, and not the poor girl before
him. At last, turning himself uneasily about, like a man disturbed by a
sudden recurrence of painful memories.

"Now, don't go to gettin' oneasy idees into your little head; there's
nothin' wuss for the femenine constitution. When you're well enough, let
yerself alone, and be satisfied."

"Oh, Ben, don't--don't! You are my friend--you have always been kind to
me; do not turn from me, now, when I am tortured by these strange
doubts. There is no one else of whom I can ask an explanation, and you
cannot refuse it! I am so very, very, unhappy, Ben--dear, good Ben!"

"There, there, Miss Lina!" Ben muttered, hoarsely, patting her hand