water. Don't know one shell from another when I see 'em."

This astounding statement brought a low cry from John, who had been
standing on one foot with joy and on the other with fear, the grave
dignity of his new friend filling him with awe. Perhaps he would not be
noticed now, when all the grown people were here; perhaps--but his
thoughts were put to flight by Mr. Scraper's words. John was a truthful
boy, and he could not have the Spanish man think he had lied in saying
that the old man was a collector. He was stepping forward, his face
alight with eager protest, when Mr. Endymion Scraper brought his cane
round with a backward sweep, catching John on the legs with spiteful
emphasis. The Skipper saw it, and a dark red flushed through the bronze
of his cheek. His glance caught the child's and held it, speaking anger,
cheer, and the promise of better things; the boy dropped back and
rubbed his smarting shins, well content, with a warm feeling about the
heart.

"The gentleman will step down to the cabin," said the deep, quiet voice.
"I will attend him, the ladies also."

He led the way, and pretty Lena Brown came next; she glanced up at him
as he held out his strong hand to help her down the ladder. Her blue
eyes were very sweet as she met his gaze, and the faint wild-rose blush
became her well. Certainly, Lena was a very pretty girl. Franci nearly
tumbled over the companion-rail in his endeavours to look after her, and
Laurentus Woodcock, catching one glimpse of her face, retreated to the
farthest corner of the after-deck, and sold a Triton for ten cents, when
the lowest price was thirty.

Several other persons came down into the cabin at the same time. There