The others had turned away, but now Mr. Banks called out, “Pull up some chairs, folks. This is where we all get busy. Move lively, my boy. We've got to make the balls before it gets hard.” Hunch did not know how it happened that he sat next to Jess at the table. He felt strange and uncomfortable. But the others were full of mischief, and they joked slyly and winked at each other, and misinterpreted Hunch's backward manner, so that it was, after all, a lively evening. When it came time to go, Jess said to Mrs. Banks, “Guess I'll have to go along,” and then lingered, not knowing whether she would have to go alone. Finally Mr. Banks said to Hunch, “I don't s'pose you'd mind just this once seeing that Jess gets home all safe and sound, would you, now?” So Hunch put on his coat, and he and Jess said “Good-night,” and when they got out on the street, she timidly took his arm, and they walked along together without a word. The silence continued until Hunch felt that he must say something. “How've you folks been all this time?” he asked. “We've been pretty well. Jim sprained his wrist, but it's all right now.” Again they were silent, and though Hunch tried, he could think of nothing more to say. They were on the last block of their walk, when Jess, her hand trembling a little on his arm, said: “Haven't you ever forgiven me, John?” It was a relief to him that she had broken the ice. “Why, I dunno. I ain't got nothing special to forgive.” “Are you mad now?” “No, I ain't mad.” “You didn't come around. It's been a long time.” Hunch had no explanation. They stood at the gate, each waiting for the other to go on. Jess turned half away and picked at a broken corner of the gate-post. Hunch watched her. There was something attractive in the poise of her figure, and even with her big hat on, enough of her hair showed to give an impression of its richness. She looked up at him. “Ain't we ever going to be--friends, John?” “Yes, we're friends now, I reckon.” Hunch hesitated; he was making up his mind to tell the truth. “What makes you act like you do?” “'Cause, well, 'cause there ain't no use patching up an old hull and calling it a new boat, Jess. Things is changed. There's no good saying I feel like I did, when I don't, Jess; and couldn't if I tried. You're a fine girl, and you'll make some fellow happy, but I'm afraid I ain't him.” She stood looking down. “Don't you see how 'tis, Jess? I'm just telling you the truth.” She nodded? He held out his hand, and she took it quickly, then ran into the house. That was all. Hunch looked after her for a few moments, then he walked slowly back to the schooner. CHAPTER XVII--OLD TIES |THE next day Hunch was moody. The men were afraid of him, and it was after a long time of bracing his courage, that the mate came up to where Hunch was sitting on the rail. “Cap'n,” he said, “she's all ready.” “I know it.” “Will we get under way? There's the tug coming in fifteen minutes.”