"Ye do!" Samuel's eyes opened wide in wonder. "An' you only a young
gal, too."

"But I am old in experience, and know what I say is true. But what is
that?" A startled look leaped into her eyes. "Do you suppose it is
someone after me?"

With a bound the captain sprang up the stairs. He paused for an
instant, however, and glanced back.

"Don't be scared, Miss," he encouraged. "It's only Eben. He's bumped
hard aginst the boat. You keep close under cover, an' I'll do what I
kin with the boy."




CHAPTER IV

UNDER COVER

By the time the captain reached the side of the boat, Eben had his
small skiff tied to the deck-rail. He was standing up, a tall, gaunt,
ungainly youth, freckled faced, and sandy haired. He wore a dark-brown
sweater, and a pair of overalls, baggy at the knees. He did not speak
as his father approached, but mechanically handed up to him a jug of
molasses, and several paper parcels. He then leaped lightly upon deck,
and headed for the cabin. But the captain detained him by laying a
firm and heavy hand upon his shoulder.