“Burton’s position, sir, has been a very trying one. I may say a very dreadful one, and I think that he has acted in a very manly, courageous manner, sir, and I think it our duty, as Christian men, to put aside even our natural repugnance to the author of our misfortune and be lenient toward one who has suffered as well as ourselves.” The young sailor stopped, hesitated, and then jerked out the words “And to be frank and outspoken with you, sir, by heavens! I am saving him for Lucy’s sake; if she wish him, when she know all, she shall have him safe and sound if it cost my life.” There was a fierce determination in Jack’s voice that boded no good to Burton should he attempt to disappear, nor to any one who attempted to injure the man whom Lucy’s loyal sailor knight was safe-keeping for his hopeless love’s sake. “Jack, I love you, lad.” was all that the old Dunlap said, but he knew and felt the grandeur of the character of the man, who pressed the dagger down into his own heart, to save a single pang to the woman whom he loved so unselfishly. “But to resume the recital of my plans and our situation,” said the old gentleman settling back in his chair. He had leaned forward to pat Jack on the shoulder. “We agree that Lucy cannot be subjected to the scrutiny and criticism of strangers. I propose, that as the physicians advise a warmer climate, to charter the ‘Adams,’ have the cabin remodeled to accommodate Lucy, your mother, the nurse and Lucy’s maid, and to take them all with me to Haiti, just as soon as the changes in the accommodations on your ship can be made.” “Burton goes with us, of course,” said Jack, assertively. “Well, I had not determined that point. What do you think?” “Decidedly, yes! The business may suffer, but let it. What is business in comparison to the restoration of Lucy?” cried Jack in an aggressive tone of voice. “It shall be as you think best, my lad. The business will not suffer in any event, for since Burton’s return to his position as manager, he has in some extraordinary manner become worthless in the management of the affairs of the house. He does not inspire the respect that he did formerly nor does he seem to possess the same self-confidence and decision of character that marked his manner before the events of the past few weeks. I don’t know what I should have done had it not been for Chapman. He has taken full charge of everything and will continue in control while I am absent, if you decide to take Burton along.” “You surprise me, sir. I had noticed no alteration in Burton’s manner,” exclaimed Jack, sincerely astonished at what he heard.