different-like from the rest. Still, I said as I'd rather she didn't,
and Adam had better take him, because of the quicksand, you know. It
wouldn't be hardly safe to let him go alone. He's a bit foolhardy too.
But Adam's not so young as you, Rufus, and he was out before sunrise. So
I thought as how maybe you'd step into the breach and take Mr. Knight
along. Come, you won't refuse?"

She spoke the last words coaxingly, aware of a certain hardening of the
young fisherman's rugged face.

Adam had got off his chopping-block, and was listening with pursed lips
and something of the expression of a terrier at a rat-hole.

"Yes, you go, Rufus!" he said, as Mrs. Peck paused. "You show him round!
I'd like him to know you."

"What for?" said Rufus.

Adam contorted one side of his face into something that was between a
wink and a grin. "Do you good to go into society," he said. "That's all
right, missus, he'll go. Better go and ask Mr. Knight what time he wants
to start."

"Wait a bit!" commanded Rufus.

Mrs. Peck waited. She knew that her stepson was as slow of speech as
his father was prompt, but she thought none the less of him for that.
Rufus was solid, and she respected solid men.

"It comes to this," said Rufus, speaking ponderously. "I'll go if I'm