rush over before school to speak to the captain about his new plan. He
finished the few chores he was in the habit of doing, and then sped
across the field as fast as his legs would carry him.

The captain was in his shop near the house, but he was not working as Rod
opened the door and entered. He was sitting on a bench, with his face
buried in his hands. He looked quickly up as the boy walked in, as if
ashamed to fee caught in such a manner.

"What's up now?" was his gruff greeting. "Ye needn't startle one out of
his senses. Why can't ye knock in a proper manner?"

"Oh, captain," Rod panted, paying no attention to the rebuke, "I want to
talk to you about something."

"Go ahead, then. It must be mighty important to bring ye here this
mornin' in sich a hurry."

"It is, captain, and it's about Whyn."

"About Whyn, eh? What d'ye want to tell me about her?"

"That she can't get better, unless she goes to a specialist. Doctor
Travis told grandad all about it last night."

For an instant the old man looked keenly into the clear eyes of the boy
standing before him, and a deep love for this manly chap entered his
heart.

"Sit down," he ordered, and his voice was husky. "So ye're interested in