“The bodies are to be taken away this afternoon, Sam. The coroner says the undertaker’s team has already started, so we can count on its being here about sunset. Now there’s no good reason why that little shaver should see all the dismal work, for it would only bring all the sorrow back into his heart.” “I go on patrol in half an hour; why wouldn’t it be a good idea to take him with me?” “I’m afraid the tramp would be too long. You see he’s just come off shipboard, an’ isn’t in good trim for much walking.” “Joe Cushing will come along, I reckon, an’ when the boy begins to tire, can come back with him.” “That’s a good idea, Sam. See to it that he’s wrapped up well, and give him a lift over the roughest places.” “Don’t be feered but that I’ll take good care of him. What about the dog? Old Maje will make short work of him if he ain’t watched sharp.” “I’ll attend to that part of it, if Ben doesn’t want to take Fluff with him. Get ready, and don’t let Joe bring him back until the work here has been finished.” The new member of the crew was scouring knives when Sam proposed that he go on the patrol, and from the expression on his face it could readily be seen that he was in favor of accepting the invitation; but after a brief time of hesitation Benny replied: “I’d like to go, Mr. Hardy; but there’s so much to be done here that I can’t get away. It’ll be a good while before I’m through with this job.” “Hark you, Benjamin: we count on your doing the odd chores about the station; but don’t reckon every minute is to be spent working. You’ve done enough for one day, so get your duds together, an’ we’ll see what may be needed; it’ll be a cold tramp along the coast while the wind is howlin’ at this rate.” “I’ll ask Mr. Downey----” “Never mind that part of it, my son. I’ve spoken with the keeper, an’ he thinks it’ll do you good to take a spin out of doors. What about Fluff?” “May I take him with me?” “Sure; but I can’t say the wind won’t blow him away; it’s powerful strong, an’ he don’t carry much ballast.” “He’ll be glad enough to stay in my arms most of the time,” Benny cried gleefully as he went in search of his reefer, which Joe Cushing, having been given a hint by Tom Downey as to what was proposed, had hung in front of the fire. Had Benny taken all the clothing his “guardians” offered to loan, it would have been literally impossible for him to walk. He did accept, however, a pair of rubber boots many sizes too large, a woollen muffler, and a pair of mittens, and when these had been adjusted according to the advice of all hands, he looked like an animated bundle of clothing rather than a living boy. Fluff was disposed of under the large reefer, and the party set out, Joe Cushing leading the way, with Sam Hardy walking by Benny’s side.