In her face was, for the
moment, all the fear and horror of the situation which she felt. It
was a warning to him, and he was acute enough to understand it even
before she spoke.
"Oh, Tunis! This girl must be beside herself. She says her name is
Ida May Bostwick and that she is Mrs. Ball's niece."
Involuntarily Tunis had stretched forth his hands to welcome Sheila.
He drew her closer without giving the Balls any attention
whatsoever. One flashing glance he gave to the girl he held so
gently--a look which was both a promise and a reassurance. Then he
gazed over her head at the smirking Ida May.
"What's the matter here?" he demanded.
"Matter enough," said Cap'n Ira, not without marking, however, the
attitude of the two young people he and Prudence loved. He even
nudged his wife, who now stood close beside him. "Matter enough.
That gal there, Tunis, seems to have lost her top-hamper. Leastways,
some of it is mighty loose."
"Tunis Latham!" gasped the new claimant. "You know who I am. Tell
that girl--"
She halted again, realizing the young man's expression of
countenance and his attitude with the other girl. She was quick
enough of comprehension to see that this other girl had the
advantage of her with the captain of the _Seamew_ as well as with
her relatives.
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