“Mary-'Gusta? She's a bright child, and a well-behaved one, generally speaking. Rather old for her years, and a little--well, peculiar. That isn't strange, considering the life she has led since her mother's death. But she is a good girl and a pretty little thing. I like her; so does my wife.” “That was her at the cemetery, wasn't it? She was with that Hobbs woman?” “Yes.” “I thought so. Shadrach and I met her when we was over here two years ago. I thought the one at the graveyard was her. Poor little critter! Where is she now; at the house--at Marcellus's?” “Yes; that is, I suppose she is.” “Do you--do you cal'late we could see her if we went there now?” “Yes, I am sure you could.” Zoeth rose. “Come on, Shadrach,” he said, “let's go.” The Captain stared at him. “Go?” he repeated. “Where? Home, do you mean?” “No, not yet. I mean over to Marcellus's to see that little girl.” “Zoeth Hamilton! Do you mean to tell me--What do you want to see her for? Do you want to make it harder for her and for us and for all hands? What good is seein' her goin' to do? Ain't it twice as easy to say no now and be done with it?” “I suppose likely 'twould be, but it wouldn't be right Marcellus asked us to do this thing for him and--” “Jumpin' Judas! ASKED us! Do you mean to say you're thinkin' of doin' what he asked? Are you loony, too? Are you--” “Shh, Shadrach! He asked us, as a last favor, to take charge of his girl. I feel as you do that we can't do it, 'tain't sensible nor possible for us to do it, but--” “There ain't any buts.” “But the very least we can do is go and see her and talk to her.” “What for? So we'll feel meaner and more sneaky when we HAVE to say no? I shan't go to see her.” “All right. Then I shall. You can wait here for me till I come back.” “Hold on, Zoeth! Hold on! Don't--” But Mr. Hamilton was at the door and did not turn back. Judge Baxter, who was following him, spoke. “Sit right here, Captain,” he said. “Make yourself as comfortable as you can. We shan't be long.” For an instant Shadrach remained where he was. Then he, too, sprang to his feet. He overtook the lawyer just as the latter reached the side door. “Hello, Captain,” exclaimed Baxter, “changed your mind?” “Changed nothin'. Zoeth's makin' a fool of himself and I know it, but he ain't goin' to be a fool ALL by himself. I've seen him try it afore and 'tain't safe.” “What do you mean?” The Captain grunted scornfully. “I mean there's safety in numbers, whether it's the number of fools or anything else,” he said. “One idiot's a risky proposition, but two or three in a bunch can watch each other. Come on, Judge, and be the third.” CHAPTER III