on. Darry was
destined to see a great deal more of Jim Dilks, as we shall presently
learn.

CHAPTER IV

THE CABIN BY THE MARSH

As is customary in many of these little villages along the coast, the
butcher shop was also the country store where groceries, dry goods,
notions, and possibly boots and hats in addition, were sold.

Mr. Keeler eyed the boy in Abner's company, while he was cutting off the
meat.

"Likely lad, that, Mr. Peake," he said. "I reckon he must be the one
that come ashore from the wreck t'other night. I heard all about it,
'cause some of our men were over to help out," he added, in a low tone,
taking advantage of Darry straying off a bit to examine a colored print
that hung on the wall, and offered all manner of inducements to young
fellows wishing to enlist in the navy.

"The boy's all right. He's gwine to live with my missus--if they kin git
on together. But about them as were over, Gus, I've got a notion some on
'em thought it might be a good chanct to wreck a craft. I seen Dilks
there, with his crowd, an' yuh know he's under suspicion o' havin' lured
that schooner ashore with a false light last year. Time's comin' when
them rascals air goin' to git caught. Hangin' 'd be too easy for such
snakes. An' that boy o' his'n promises to be a chip o' the ole block.
He's as bad as they make 'em," returned the surfman, shaking his head.

Nothing so angers a life saver as the mention of a wrecker; for deep
down in his heart he believes that the men who make a living from
salvage after a vessel has gone to pieces on the reefs, or else in
boarding the wreck when the storm has gone down, would not hesitate a
minute about sending any ship to her doom if they believed it could be
done without too much risk.

"If he doesn't get on with the missus let me have a try with him, Abner.
Looks to be a likely lad. They're a scarce article around here--some go
to sea, others are in the service, and more get drowned; while those
that are left seem bad from top to bottom, just like Jim Dilks. Yes, I
could use that younker, I think."

Peake had turned white at mention of the fate that befalls so many young
men of the shore; but he made no remark concerning his feelings.

"I'll remember what yuh say, Mr. Keeler. But I got a notion the boy will
stick with me. When the missus gets to know him she can't help but like
him. He's the clear quill. Take the change out of that bill. We just
got paid last night, yuh see.