“I only said it complimentary. Lots of times girls have more grit than they are given credit for. You think they're just girls, and then you find out that they are hero-ines! I thought I had some grit, but my own Polly has shamed me. I was just down watching her--she's asleep in Cap'n Sinnett's bunk. Made the tears come up into my eyes, sir, to ponder on what she has been through on account of my cussed foolishness. Of course, you haven't been told. But confession is good for a man, and I'm going to own up. I took her with me to get her away from a fellow who is courting her.” Mayo did not offer comment. He wanted to advise the skipper to keep still on that subject, too. “I don't say he ain't good enough for her. Maybe he is. But I 'ain't been realizing that she has growed up. When I found she was being courted it was like hitting a rock in a fairway. You are young, and you are around consid'able and know the actions of young folks. What's your advice?” “I don't know anything about the circumstances, sir.” “But speaking generally,” insisted Captain Candage. “I want to do what's right. There ain't many I can bring myself to ask. I'm a poor old fool, I'm afraid. Won't you kind of grab in on this, Captain Mayo? I do need a little advice.” His rough hands trembled on his knees. “If the young man is worthy--is the right sort,” returned Mayo, in gentler tones, “I think you are making a great mistake by interfering.” “I'll go look that young fellow over--re-survey him, as ye might say,” stated the skipper, after a moment's meditation. “I don't know your daughter very well, sir, but I have much faith in her judgment. If I were you I'd allow her to pick her own husband.” “Thanks for that advice. I know it comes from a man who has shown that he knows exactly what to do in emergencies. I have changed my mind about her being courted, sir.” “Honest love isn't a question of money, Captain Candage. Many good girls are ruined by--” He was speaking bitterly and he checked himself. “Where is Captain Sinnett going to set us ashore?” “Maquoit. He is going to take his fish to the big market. But he said he would set us ashore anywhere, and so I said Maquoit. I might as well be there as anywhere till I know what I'm going to do.” “Same thing holds good for me, I suppose. I don't feel like going to the city just yet.” Captain Sinnett came rolling into the alley, and when Mayo started to thank him for the trouble he was taking he raised in genial protest a hand which resembled in spread a split codfish. “Trouble! It ain't trouble. Was going to call into Maquoit to ice up, anyway. I know my manners even if them yachting fellows didn't.” Captain Candage preserved the demeanor of innocence under Mayo's scrutiny.