you could not see the entrance to
that outer cave--the one we came into first--for it is below water.'

Estelle looked up in an alarmed manner, but he told her he was well
acquainted with rocks and tides and currents, and would not be the one
to run her into any risks.

'But, Jack,' said Estelle, gazing wonderingly at him, 'don't these great
dark rocks and caves make you feel frightened and lonely sometimes, and
perhaps unhappy too?'

'Why should they, Missie? I am used to the sea, and so is Mother. I
don't think we could bear to be out of the sound of it.'

'Are you sorry you are not at sea now? Is it that which makes you look
so unhappy sometimes?'

'It is, and it isn't; if you can understand what I mean.'

'No, I can't. You have such a dear mother, and such a nice home; why do
you want to leave them?'

'I don't want to leave them, even if I could,' said Jack, sadly. 'But
there are other things one can't tell little ladies about.'

Such a look of pain and sorrow crossed his face as he spoke, that
Estelle instinctively turned away her eyes. She began taking up handfuls
of sand to let it run through her fingers.

'Jack,' she remarked, presently, 'I think yours must be a very sad
secret, for do you remember how I heard dear Goody crying as she was
kneeling? She said, "Jack, my poor boy! Lord, have mercy upon him!"
Then, sometimes at night, when she thinks I am asleep, she sighs _so_
heavily, especially when she is saying her prayers.'

On hearing this, Jack suddenly threw himself at full length on the sand,
burying his face on his arms. Much startled, Estelle gazed at him in
wonder and sympathy. What had upset him so greatly? Why did Goody sigh
over him? It was a bewildering puzzle to her, who knew Jack to be the
kindest fellow in the world. She could not bear to see him so grieved.
It was her fault. Why had she said a word which could hurt him?

'Oh, Jack!' she cried, putting her hand on his shoulder, her voice full
of self-reproach, 'I ought not to have told you. I am so sorry! Do
forgive me, dear, kind Jack. I wish I could do something for you,
Jack--I do wish I could. But for Goody's nursing and care and all your
kindness, I should have died.'

'So you would, Missie,' he said, sitting up and drawing the back of his
hand across his eyes. He sat for some moments in silence, his eyes on
the sands, then rising to his feet, he murmured:' After all, it is a
life for a life.'

'What did you say?' asked Este