"He doesn't? Why, his arm is as big----"

"No, no! I mean he doesn't look like a minister."

"He ain't like none I ever see. He used to ship with me during the
summer months when he was in school, and he's man clean to the ground. I
can't see why in tarnation a big feller like him wants to take up such a
sissy's job of piloting a lot of women to heaven."

"But it isn't that kind of work, unless one makes it such," she
defended.

Mr. McGowan came to a halt on the opposite edge of the well-curbing. It
was very unladylike, and Elizabeth knew it, but in spite of herself she
continued to stare.

"Let me interduce you," suggested the Captain.

"Thank you, I'd better run along and help those in the house."

But she failed to suit the action to the word, and for the simple reason
that the gaze of two perfectly normal young people became normally
entangled. At length, a flood of color crept slowly into the girl's
cheeks, and she smiled.

"I--I beg your pardon for----" began the minister.

"Here, young feller," cut in the Captain as Mr. McGowan turned away, "I
want to interduce you to my best friend, Miss Elizabeth Fox. This here
is the new minister, Beth, Mack McGowan."

Elizabeth cordially extended her hand. "I've been hearing very
interesting stories about your prowess, Mr. McGowan."

"I trust they are true."

"Indeed, they are. Captain Pott told me."

"I did make quite an impression on him," replied Mr. McGowan as he
looked at the seaman's swollen eyelids. "I fear you've heard prejudiced
accounts of me."

"I don't like them that way one bit," laughed Elizabeth, "even if a
clergyman did do it."

"See here! I ain't going to stand this insinuating any longer,"
interposed the Captain, his good humor fully restored. "I cal'late they
might want a hand to help swab decks, so I'll be going."

"But, Uncle Josiah,----"

"I know, Beth. I've been unpleasant, but being as you have come from the
city to help me clean up the old craft, I'd otter show my appreciation
by bossing the crew."

He seized the pail from the not unwilling minister, filled it from the
well-bucket, and went to the kitchen to report for duty.

"Do you think you'll like Little River well enough to wish to remain?"
asked Elizabeth.

"Yes, I think I shall. Mr. Simpson has been telling me about your
brother, and about his far-sightedness in organizing the Athletic
Club."

"Did Mr. Simpson tell you how the club came to be formed in the first