to bait
him--their exasperation increased. Cap'n Amazon's utter disregard of
what they said (for Betty did her share of the talking, relieving the
Lady from Poughkeepsie when she was breathless) continued unabated. It
was a situation that, at another time, would have vastly amused Louise.

But it was really a serious matter. Mrs. Conroth was quite as excited
as Betty. Both became vociferous in acclaiming the captain's
irresponsibility, and both accused him of having caused Cap'n Abe's
disappearance.

"Mark my word," declared Aunt Euphemia, with her most indignant air,
"that creature is guilty--guilty of an awful crime!"

"The old pirate! That he is!" reiterated Betty.

"Louise, my child, come away from here at once. This is no place for a
young woman--or for any self-respecting person. Come."

For the first time since the opening of this scene Cap'n Amazon
displayed trouble. He turned to look at Louise, and she thought his
countenance expressed apprehension--as though he feared she might go.

"Come!" commanded Mrs. Conroth again. "This is no fit place for you;
it never _has_ been fit!"

"Avast, there, ma'am!" growled the captain, at last stung to retort.

"You are an old villain!" declared Aunt Euphemia.

"He's an old pirate!" concluded Betty Gallup. Here Louise found her
voice--and she spoke with decision.

"I shall stay just the same, aunt. I am satisfied that you all
misjudge Captain Amazon." His face--the sudden flash of gratitude in
it--thanked her.

"Louise!" cried her aunt.

"You better come away, Miss Lou," said Betty. "The constable'll git
that old pirate; that's what'll happen to him."

"Stop!" exclaimed Louise. "I'll listen to no more. I do not believe
these things you say. And neither of you can prove them. I'm going to
bed. Good-night, Aunt Euphemia," and she marched out of the room.

That closed the discussion. Cap'n Amazon bowed Mrs. Conroth politely
out of the door and Betty went with her. Louise did not get to sleep
in her chamber overhead for hours; nor did she hear the captain come
upstairs at all.

In the morning's post there was a letter for Louise from her father--a
letter that had been delayed. It had been mailed at the same time the
one to Aunt Euphemia was sent. The _Curlew_ would soon turn her bows
Bostonward, the voyage having been successful from a scientific point
of view. Professor Grayling even mentioned the loss of a small boat in
a squall, when