makes your work easier--almost noble. Cannot you see it that
way, too?''

Before Miss Langham could answer, a deprecatory cough from
one side of the open boat-house startled them, and turning they
saw MacWilliams coming toward them. They had been so intent upon
what Clay was saying that he had approached them over the soft
sand of the beach without their knowing it. Miss Langham
welcomed his arrival with evident pleasure.

``The launch is waiting for you at the end of the pier,''
MacWilliams said. Miss Langham rose and the three walked
together down the length of the wharf, MacWilliams moving briskly
in advance in order to enable them to continue the conversation
he had interrupted, but they followed close behind him, as though
neither of them were desirous of such an opportunity.

Hope and King had both come for Miss Langham, and while the
latter was helping her to a place on the cushions, and repeating
his regrets that the men were not coming also, Hope started the
launch, with a brisk ringing of bells and a whirl of the wheel
and a smile over her shoulder at the figures on the wharf.

``Why didn't you go?'' said Clay; ``you have no business at the
Custom-House.''

``Neither have you,'' said MacWilliams. ``But I guess we both
understand. There's no good pushing your luck too far.''

``What do you mean by that--this time?''