they would pore over an old geography, while the captain pointed out
with his big fore-finger the countries he had visited, and the routes
he had taken. Rod was thus so well acquainted with certain countries
that his teacher was much surprised at his knowledge.

It was only natural that people should talk about this strange
friendship between the rough old sea-captain and the little boy. How
their tongues did wag, and many were the visits of protest paid to the
rectory. The principal discussion, however, always took place at the
regular meetings of the Ladies' Aid Society. This was done most of all
for Mrs. Royal's benefit. She knew this, and with much self-restraint
she resisted making any reply for some time. But at one meeting, when
the criticism became extremely severe, she could stand it no longer.
Mrs. Harmon had just been indulging in one of her long dissertations,
and finished by asking the rector's wife if she did not consider it
very unbecoming for a small boy, and a waif at that, with no doubt bad
blood in his veins, to be so much in the company of a rough creature
like Captain Josh. He should be at home, studying his lessons and
learning the Catechism.

"Mrs. Harmon," Mrs. Royal replied as calmly as possible, "I have
listened for some time to the criticisms which you and others have made
about our allowing Rodney to associate with Captain Josh, and I think
it is about time for me to say a word. Mr. Royal and I have talked
over the matter very carefully, and we can see no harm in what is
taking place. The captain has taken a remarkable fancy to the boy, and
I know for certain that Rodney has received no harm from him. On the
contrary, he has been benefited, for the captain has taught him many
useful things.