John reddened furiously.

``Nothing, Miss. I was only thinkin' that if
you didn't 'tend ter haulin' in so many other
folks's ships, yours might get in sooner.''

``Why, John! Nonsense! I--I love to haul
in other folks's ships,'' laughed the girl, embarrassedly.

``Yes, Miss; I know you do,'' grunted John.

Billy colored.

``No, no--that is, I mean--I don't do it--
very much,'' she stammered.

John did not answer apparently; but Billy
was sure she caught a low-muttered, indignant
``much!'' as he snapped the door shut and took
his place at the wheel.

To herself she laughed softly. She thought she
possessed the secret now of some of John's
disapproving glances toward her humble guests of
the summer before.



CHAPTER XII