صفحة 53 من 416

Schofield smiled broadly in the darkness. Bijonah's little turns

along the water-front of St. John's or any other port had been

the subject for much prayer and supplication in the hearts of

many devout persons thoroughly interested in their neighbor's

welfare. And of late years Ma Tanner had been making trips with

him to supply stimulus to his conscience.

"What were they talking about?" So far from being suspicious,

Code was merely idly curious of the gossip about him.

"My boy," said Tanner, suddenly grave, "I was the best friend

your father had for forty years, and I'm goin' to try and be as

good a friend to his son. But you mustn't mind what I tell ye."

"I won't, captain. Go ahead," said Code, his interest awakening.

"Wal, them men was talkin' about the loss of the old May

Schofield, and one of 'em in particular allowed as how he didn't

think it should have foundered when it did. What d'ye think of

that?"