ddenly. "We won't listen to no
more such talk. Whatever we have got--Prudence and me--and whoever
you be, young woman, I cal'late we'll do about as we please with it.
I think you have broke loose from them that had you in charge. And
they ought to be hunting for you. Leastways, I guess you'd better
be sent back to 'em."

"I'm her niece, I tell you!" reiterated Ida May, pointing at
Prudence, who shrank again from the vehement girl.

Then she whirled on Tunis. She clasped her hands. Into her rage was
distilled some fear because of Cap'n Ira's grim words.

"You got to help me," she said to the younger man. "You know who I
am, and you daren't deny it!"

No man can pace the quarter-deck--even of a packet of no greater
importance than the _Seamew_--without having developed the sterner
side of his character. And Tunis Latham came of a long line of
shipmasters who had handled all sorts and conditions of men. If a
skipper does not command the respect of his crew, he'll not get far!

The grim mask that had settled upon the countenance of the captain
of the _Seamew_ might have stayed the tongue of a more courageous
person than Ida May Bostwick. His severe look and manner appalled
her.

"See here, young woman, I don't like your tone; nor do I understand
what you mean. Who do you say this is, Ida May?" he added more
gently, looking down into Sheila's face again.

"She--"

"_I'm_ Ida May Bostwick. You know I am!" wailed the visitor.
"Why--why, you must remember me, Tunis Latham. Don't you call her by
my name. I won't stand it."

"Mad as a hatter! Mad as a hatter!" muttered Cap'n Ira to Prudence.

"There's something the matter with her, is there?" proceeded Tunis
thoughtfully, eying the claimant as though she was indeed an utter
stranger. "How did she get here? What does she want?"

"She wants a strait-jacket, I cal'late," said Cap'n Ira. "I don't
know what is best to do about her. Prudence says she won't have her
in the house overnight. 'Twould be too bad to have to put her in the
town lockup."

"You _dare_ to!" shrieked Ida May, with courage born of desperation.

Tunis put Sheila tenderly aside. He crossed the room to the other
girl. He showed no manner of sympathy for her, but he spoke quietly.

"This won't do, you know. Mr. and Mrs. Ball don't want you here. You
have no claim on them--none at all. Even if you chanced to be a
relation, they have not got to take you in if they don't want to."

"They've taken that