As he pondered over the
subject, and tried to think of a way out of it, the cause of all the
trouble came and stood by him.
"Did my father know of this?" she inquired.
"I don't know that he did exactly," said the skipper uneasily. "I just
told him not to expect you back that night."
"And what did he say?" said she.
"Said he wouldn't sit up," said the skipper, grinning, despite himself.
Kate drew a breath the length of which boded no good to her parent, and
looked over the side.
"I was afraid of that traveller chap from Ipswich," said Hezekiah, after
a pause. "Your father told me he was hanging round you again, so I
thought I--well, I was a blamed fool anyway."
"See how ridiculous you have made me look before all these men," said
the girl angrily.
"They've been with me for years," said Hezekiah apologetically, "and the
mate said it was a magnificent idea. He quite raved about it, he did. I
wouldn't have done it with some crews, but we've had some dirty times
together, and they've stood by me well. But of course that's nothing to
do with you. It's been an adventure I'm very sorry for, very."
"A pretty safe adventure for YOU," said the girl scornfully. "YOU didn't
risk much. Look here, I like brave men. If you go in the cage and undo
that bear, I'll marry you.
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