any strange and
wonderful flavors. The little man had clung to all the traditions of his
seagoing forefathers, who had brought back from the Orient spicy things
and sweet things--conserved fruits and preserved ginger, queer nuts in
syrup, golden-flavored tea, and these he served with thick slices of
buttered bread of his own making.

"You might have had a lobster," he said to Sophie, "if it hadn't been so
near your dinner time. I've got 'em fresh cooked."

But Sophie shook her head. "I like your sweet things better. Bobbie and
I are the ones who don't like lobster. He says that I'm a sort of oasis
in a desert of shell-fish."

"He's got a nice boat," said the captain, "and he's got a nice girl. I
like Doris."

Sophie's mind went back to Bettina. "Oh, will you telephone, please,
captain?"

The captain came back with the news that nothing had been seen of the
"Gray Gull," but that there was no need to worry, as the day was
perfectly calm, and that, as he had Miss Dolce with him, he would
certainly not fly high.

Sophie refused to be comforted. "I shall tell Anthony," she said; "he
must speak to Justin."

"I don't see what Blake's got to do with it," said the blunt captain;
"young Ford may tell him to mind his business----"

Sophie's head went up. "Dr. Blake is Bettina's guardian," she said, "and
if Justin resents his interference, I shall certainly be much
disappointed in Justin."

Miss Matthews bristled. "You ought to have seen the care he took of her
that day in the rain. I shall never forget the sight of those two young
creatures running up the hill--the captain said then he had never seen a
prettier pair."

In the midst of her worry Sophie felt an insane desire to laugh. Was
this tragedy only or, after all, a comedy? If Betty loved Justin? Her
imagination could scarcely compass the consequences of this possibility.

Sophie walked home with Miss Matthews, and, returning to Diana's, met
Sara half-way.

"Is Bettina flying with Justin?" Sara asked, abruptly.

"Captain Stubbs says that she is. I am very much displeased with Justin.
It is really unpardonable that Bettina should be subjected to such
danger."

"She didn't have to go if she didn't want to," said Sara, sharply, "but
she's crazy about him----"

"My dear----How do you know?"

"Anybody can see it. And I guess it's the real thing this time with
Justin."

The wistful expression on the sharp little face touched Sophie's kind
heart.

"It's ha