out, sah."

St. John turned and saw Dr. Mackey standing near, the surgeon having
come from the boathouse to listen in silence to the conversation which
was taking place.

He had met the doctor at the Oldville tavern the evening before, and
bowed stiffly.

"I am sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Ruthven," said the doctor; "but I am
curious to visit the old wreck on Hemlock Bluff rocks. Perhaps this man
has another boat----"

"Oh, it doesn't matter, Dr. Mackey," answered St. John.

"You are evidently a cousin to Miss Marion Ruthven."

"I am."

"And a cousin to the lad named Jack."

"He is no cousin of mine--even though my aunt has foolishly treated him
as her son."

"Why foolishly?"

"He is a waif of the sea--cast up from that wreck; yet my aunt presents
him to the world as a Ruthven--when he may be of very low birth."

"Evidently you are proud of your name."

"I am proud, sir, for there is no family in South Carolina which bears a
better name. We are descended from St. George Ruthven, one of the
knights of Queen Elizabeth's reign."

"I congratulate you, sir, and I now understand how this matter grates
upon you. But permit me to state, the boy may prove to be of as high
birth as yourself."

"What, Jack? Never!"

"Do not say that. Strange things have happened in this world."

"But he looks as if he came of low birth," responded St. John haughtily.

"There I must disagree with you, Mr. Ruthven."

"Dat's de talk!" muttered Old Ben, as he eyed St. John darkly. "Massah
Jack's as good as dat coward any day!"

"As you please, doctor; but I shall hold to my opinion."

Dr. Mackey shrugged his shoulders.

"You have that right. Come, Ben, we will be on the way. Mr. Ruthven,
allow me to bid you good-day," and the doctor bowed stiffly.

"Good-day," was the curt response.

Soon the surgeon and Old Ben were in the boat, and the negro was rowing
swiftly in the direction of the wreck. St. John walked up the shore, but
presently turned to view the doctor from a distance.

"He talks as if he knew a thing or two," muttered the spendthrift to
himself. "Can it be possible that he knows something of the past, and is
going out to the wreck for a purpose?"

CHAPTER X.

THE PAPERS ON THE WRECK.

As the waters of the bay were quiet, it did not take Ben long to row Dr.
Mackey over to the wreck on the rocks.

"Be careful how you steps out, sah," said the colored man. "De rocks am
slippery, an' you kin twist an