Ida May came, at last.
Tunis Latham in his go-ashore uniform and cap was no unsightly
figure. A stern tranquillity of countenance lent him dignity. He
attracted a certain respect wherever he went, but, as has been said,
there was nothing harsh in his appearance.
The girl gave him an appraising scrutiny as she walked toward him.
While covering those few yards she made up her mind about Tunis on
several points. One was that she would not lunch this noon at any
cafeteria or automat!
"Really," she said, with downcast glance, as the man got into step
beside her, "I don't feel that I know you well enough to talk to you
at all, Mister--Mister--"
"My name's Tunis Latham. I'm owner and skipper of the schooner
_Seamew_. I live right handy to your uncle and aunt."
"Goodness! You don't mean I've got an uncle and aunt down there on
the Cape? I never heard of them."
"They are your great-uncle and great-aunt. Aunt Prue must have been
your mother's own aunt."
"So you are my Cousin--er--Tunis?"
His face flamed and he did not look at her.
"That doesn't follow," he said. "Aunt Prue is my aunt only in a
manner of speaking. But she is your blood relation."
"Yes? I suppose she's a dear old soul?"
"They are mighty nice folks," Tunis replied stoutly.
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