Miss Alsen shook her head dismally. "I've got to it," she remarked.

"Your father was saying something to me about it," said the mate
guardedly.

"Did he tell the cook and the cabin boy too?" inquired Miss Alsen,
flushing somewhat. "What did he tell you?"

"Told me about a man named Towson," said the mate, becoming intent on
the sails, "and--another fellow."

"I took a little notice of HIM just to spoil the other," said the girl,
"not that I cared for him. I can't understand a girl caring for any man.
Great, clumsy, ugly things."

"You don't like him then?" said the mate.

"Of course not," said the girl, tossing her head.

"And yet they 've sent you to sea to get out of his way," said the mate
meditatively. "Well, the best thing you can do"--His hardihood failed
him at the pitch.

"Go on," said the girl.

"Well, it's this way," said the mate, coughing; "they've sent you to sea
to get you out of this fellow's way, so if you fall in love with
somebody on the ship they'll send you home again."