girl in a blue hat with white feathers, and a blue frock, that came with
us."

"You're drunk," said the skipper, grinding his teeth, as he saw the trap
into which he had walked.

"Don't you remember when you two got lost, an' me and Kitty were looking
all over the place for you?" demanded the mate, still in the same tones
of pleasant reminiscence.

He caught Hetty's eye, and noticed with a thrill that it beamed with
soft and respectful admiration.

"You've been drinking," repeated the skipper, breathing hard. "How dare
you talk like that afore my daughter?"

"It's only right I should know," said Hetty, drawing herself up. "I
wonder what mother'll say to it all?"

"You say anything to your mother if you dare," said the now maddened
skipper. "You know what she is. It's all the mate's nonsense."

"I'm very sorry, cap'n," said the mate, "if I've said anything to annoy
you, or anyway hurt your feelings. O' course it's your business, not
mine. Perhaps you'll say you never heard o' Bessie Watson?"

"Mother shall hear of her," said Hetty, while her helpless sire was
struggling for breath.

"Perhaps you'll tell us who this Bessie Watson is, and where she lives?"