ON SHORT ALLOWANCE, 169

without your knowledge, for I didn’t intend you should
be annoyed with anything of the kind. Now, however,
since you know all about it, it would n’t be a bad idea for
him to tell you all he may learn, instead of me, and the next
time you see him alone you had better explain it to him.”

The fact that Miss Dunham had shown no fear at the
news caused Ben to feel that perhaps he had done right
in making her acquainted with the exact state of affairs.
It certainly was a relief to share his secret with some one,
and much better she should be his confidant than either
of the mates.

“The men will understand that you intend to make
land, as soon as the course is changed.”

‘It will not be necessary to haul around any. We are
laying as near for the island now as if we had intended to
touch there from the time of leaving the cape. Since you
have learned what you wanted to know, and I should go
on deck, suppose you come above once more?”

“T am perfectly willing to do that if you will try to get
rid of the troubled expression which is on your face. Any
one can see something serious is occupying your thoughts,
and if you intend to keep the officers in ignorance of the
true state of affairs, it would be a good idea to look more
cheerful.”

“T certainly ought to be able to go as far in that line as
you,” Ben replied, with a glance of admiration. “It does
a fellow good to meet a young woman who can look at
the sensible end of things, and I’m a great baby if I can’t
brace up after the example you’ve set me.”