"Don't think me a bear, Mr. Featherstone, but I don't believe I'll
dance to-night, though I thank you tremendously," replied the
shipbuilder.

"Then, Benson, you must uphold the honor of your party," laughed the
lieutenant, linking his arm in Jack's and drawing him forward.

Captain Benson's next dance was with a California girl; after that he
led out a jolly young woman from New York. As he left the latter
partner, Mlle. Nadiboff, on the arm of a gentleman, passed close enough
to murmur:

"Captain, you are neglecting me--and I have saved the next, a waltz,
for you."

Not being engaged for that waltz, Jack could hardly do, otherwise than
claim it. Indeed, he greatly enjoyed dancing with this gracious,
handsome young woman. Yet, soon after he had taken Mlle. Nadiboff
to her seat, and another partner appeared to claim her favor, Benson
slipped away.

"Go after Captain Benson, I beg of you, and bring him back here for
a moment," requested the young woman of her new partner. That gentleman
obeyed, even if with a poor grace. Jack returned, bowing, while the
gentleman walked away a few feet.

"Captain, you are a stranger here at Spruce Beach?" murmured Mlle.
Nadiboff, directing the full gaze of her luminous eyes at Jack's.