g who the fellow is who
cut the rudder-lines of our boat, and not make him say who it is?"

"I expect that's all stuff about his knowing at all," said Gilks.

"Not it! Between you and me, I fancy he's had a tip from somewhere."

"He has? Bah! don't you believe it. He'd like to make believe he knows
all about it. It would pay, you know."

"But every one thinks he knows."

"Not he! He would have told the fellow's name long ago. Whatever
object would he have in keeping it back?"

"Oh! I don't know. He says some gammon about not being quite sure.
But he's had time enough to be sure by now."

Gilks walked on in silence for a little, and then inquired, "And suppose
you did get to know who it was, what would be the use?"

"The use!" exclaimed Wibberly, in amazement. "Why, what do you mean?
By Jove, I'm sorry for the fellow when he turns up. He'll soon find out
the use of it."

Gilks said nothing, but walked on evidently out of humour, and Wibberly
having nothing better to do accompanied him.

"By the way," said the latter, presently, seeing his companion was not
disposed to continue the former conversation, "what's up between you and
Silk? Is it true you've had a row?"

Gilks growled out something which sounded very like an oath, and
replied, "Yes."

"What about?" inquired the inquisitive Wibberly, who seemed to have the
knack of hitting upon unwelcome topics.

"It wouldn't do you any good to know," growled Gilks.

"I heard it was some betting row, or something of that sort," said
Wibberly.

"Eh?--yes--something of that sort," said Gilks.

"Well," said Wibberly, "I never cared much for Silk. He always seemed
to know a little too much for me. I wouldn't break my heart if I were
you."

"I don't mean to," said Gilks, but in a tone which belied the words, and
even struck Wibberly by its wretchedness.

"I say," said he, "you're awfully down in the mouth these times. What's
wrong?"

"What makes you think anything's wrong? I'm all right, I tell you,"
said Gilks, half angrily.

Wibberly was half inclined to say that he would not have thought it if
he had not been told so, but judging from his companion's looks that
this little pleasantry would not be appreciated, he forbore and walked
on in silence.

It was a relief when Wibberly at length discovered that it was time for
him to be going back. Gilks wanted nobody's company, and was glad to be
left alone.

And yet he would gladly have escape