CHAPTER XII.
ON SHORT ALLOWANCE,

EN’S face showed his uneasiness of mind quite as
plainly as had the steward’s, as he went aft and fell
to pacing to and fro nervously on the quarter-deck.

As a matter of course neither of his officers ventured to
ask for any explanation ; but after he had continued his
aimless walk for an hour or more, the cloud on his face
growing darker each moment, Miss Dunham came on
deck.

Fearful of divulging his secret if he should allow himself
to enter into conversation with her, he started below, as if
going to his own room for a nap; but before he could
accomplish this purpose she called to him.

If Ben had not known the young lady intimately he
might have taken the chances his secret would not be dis-
covered, and entered into conversation without hesitation ;
but he had been acquainted with her sufficiently long to
understand she would learn sooner or later what was
troubling him, unless he was willing to keep her in sus-
pense by refusing to make any explanation.

Therefore he said as he joined her:

“Tf you want to have any talk with me, suppose we go
below?”