I am a foreigner without one!" John Armitage laughed.

"It is, indeed, a real merit," declared Dick, who felt that something was
expected of him. In spite of himself, he found much to like in John
Armitage. He particularly despised sham and pretense, and he had been
won by the evident sincerity of Armitage's wish to appear well in his
eyes.

"And now," said Armitage, "I assure you that I am not in the habit of
talking so much about myself--and if you will overlook this offense I
promise not to bore you again."

"I have been interested," remarked Dick; "and," he added, "I can not do
less than thank you, Mr. Armitage."

Armitage began talking of the American army--its strength and
weaknesses--with an intimate knowledge that greatly surprised and
interested the young officer; and when they separated presently it was
with a curious mixture of liking and mystification that Claiborne
reviewed their talk.

The next day brought heavy weather, and only hardened sea-goers were
abroad. Armitage, breakfasting late, was not satisfied that he had acted
wisely in speaking to Captain Claiborne; but he had, at any rate, eased
in some degree his own conscience, and he had every intention of seeing
all that he could of Shirley Claiborne during these days of their
fellow-voyaging.