re a part of the sum Laud Cavendish had paid him for the Juno,
under promise not to say where he got it, if everything was all right.

Though the boat-builder was a square young man, he could not help being
somewhat embarrassed, for his sense of honor did not permit him to
violate the confidence of any one.

"If it is a fair question, Don John, where did you get this bill?" asked
the captain.

Donald thought it was hardly a fair question under the circumstances,
and he made no answer, for he was thinking how he could get along
without a lie, and still say nothing about Laud's connection with the
bill, for that would expose Captain Shivernock.

"You don't answer me, Don John," added the nabob, mildly.

"I don't like to tell," replied Donald.

"Why not?"

"I promised not to do so."

"You promised not to tell where you got this money?"

Poor Nellie was almost overwhelmed by these answers on the part of
Donald, and her father began to have some painful doubts.

"I did, sir; that is, I promised not to tell if everything about the
money was all right."

"If you don't tell where you got the money, how are you to know whether
everything is all right or not?" demanded Captain Patterdale, in sharper
tones than he had yet used.

"Well, I don't know," answered the boat-builder, not a little confused,
and sadly troubled by the anxious expression on Miss Nellie's pretty
face.

Perhaps her father, who understood human nature exceedingly well, had
required her to remain in the library during this interview, for a
purpose; but whether he did or not, Donald was really more concerned
about her good opinion than he was about that of any other person in the
world, unless it was his mother. He was conscious that he was not
making a good appearance; and under the sad gaze of those pretty eyes,
he was determined to redeem himself.

"You ought not to make such promises, Don John," said the captain; and
this time he spoke quite sternly.

"You have that bill, sir. Is there anything wrong about it?" asked
Donald.

"Yes."

"Then my promise covers nothing. Laud Cavendish paid me that bill,"
added the boat-builder.

"Laud Cavendish!" exclaimed Nellie.

Her father shook his head, to intimate that she was to say nothing.

"Laud Cavendish gave you this bill?" repeated the captain.

"Yes, sir, and six more just like it; only the others were not mended. I
paid Mr. Leach three of them, and here are the other four," said Donald,