now
that if the _Seamew_ sailed without a proper crew their insurance on
the freight would be invalid.

So the farther Tunis walked down toward the wharves, the more these
thoughts assailed and overcame his mind, to the exclusion even of
the tragic happenings back there on the Head the night before. He
could not consider Ida May Bostwick--not even Sheila--now. The
schooner, with her affairs, was a harsh mistress. His all was
invested in the _Seamew_, and business had not been so good thus far
that he could withdraw with a profit. Far from that! There were
financial reefs and shoals on either hand, and that fact the young
skipper knew right well.

As he drew near to Portygee Town, he glanced toward the open door of
Pareta's cottage and saw the girl, Eunez, seated upon the step. She
did not come out to meet him, as had been her wont, but she hailed
him as he approached--though in a sharper tone than usual.

"So Captain Tunis Latham has still another girl? He is a lion with
the ladies, it is plain to be seen. Ah!"

"You don't mind, do you, Eunez?" replied the young man, trying to
assume his usual careless manner of speech. "You have the reputation
of being pretty popular with the fellows yourself."

"Ah!" she said again, tossing her head. "Who is this new girl I see
you walk with last evening, Tunis?"

"She is a stranger in Big Wreck Cove," was his noncommittal reply.

"So I see. They come and go for you, Tunis Latham. You are the
fickle man, eh?"

"Tut, tut, Eunez!" he laughed. "Those who live in glass houses
should not throw stones. How about yourself? Didn't I see you going
to church with Johnny Lark last Sunday? And then, in the afternoon,
you had another cavalier along the beaches. Oh, I saw you!"

The color flashed into her dark cheek, and her black eyes reflected
some unexplained anger. Beside her, leaning against the house wall,
was the handle end of a broken oar. Tunis chanced to mark that there
was a streak of dull blue paint on it.

"You have sharp eyes. Tunis Latham," hissed the girl. "Not all of
the Lathams are too proud to walk with Eunez Pareta--or too proud to
think of her. But _you_--bah!"

She got up suddenly, turned her back upon him, and entered the
cottage. Tunis walked on, just a little puzzled.

Horry Newbegin sat on the rail of the schooner smoking, and
evidently looking anxiously for the appearance of the skipper. There
was no smoke rising from the galley chimney.

"What's the mat