She smiled. “Oh, I understand that,” she said. “You made that quite plain. Even those people in the wagon understood it, I should imagine.” “I hope they did.” “I did not know you could be so fierce, Mr. Paine. I had not expected it. You almost frightened me. You were so very--well, mild and long-suffering on the other occasions when we met.” “I am not always so mild, Miss Colton. However, if I had known you were within hearing I might not have been quite so emphatic.” “Then I am glad you didn't know. I think those ruffians were treated as they deserved.” “Not half as they deserved. I shall watch from now on and if there are any more attempts at annoying you or your people I shall do more than talk.” “Thank you. They have been troublesome--of late. I am sure we are very much obliged to you, all of us.” “Not at all.” “Oh yes, we are. Not only for this, but for--all the rest. For your help the other night especially; I want to thank you for that.” “It was nothing,” I answered, awkwardly. “Nothing! You are not very complimentary, Mr. Paine.” “I mean--that is, I--” “You may consider rescuing shipwrecked young ladies, afloat and ashore, nothing--perhaps you do it so often that it is of little consequence to you; but I am not so modest. I estimate my safety as worth something, even if you do not.” “I did not mean that, of course, Miss Colton. You know I did not. I meant that--that what I did was no more than any one else would have done under the same circumstances. You were in no danger; you would have been safe enough even if I had not happened along. Please don't say anything more about it.” “Very well. But I am very glad you happened along, nevertheless. You seem to have the faculty of happening along just at the right time.” This sounded like a reference to the episode in the bay, and I did not care to discuss that. “You--I believe your father said you were not ill after your experience,” I observed hastily. “Not in the least, thank you. And you?” “Oh, I was all right. Rather wet, but I did not mind that. I sail and fish a good deal, and water, fresh or salt, doesn't trouble me.” This was an unlucky remark, for it led directly to the subject I was trying to avoid. “So I should imagine,” she answered. “And that reminds me that I owe you another debt of thanks for helping me--helping us out of our difficulty in the boat. I am obliged to you for that also. Even though what you saved was NOT worth five dollars.” I looked up at her quickly. She was biting her lips and there was a smile at the corners of her mouth. I could not answer immediately for the life of me. I would have given something if I had not told Colton of Victor's message and my reply. “Your father misrepresented my meaning, I'm afraid,” I stammered. “I was angry when I sent that message. It was not intended to include you.” “Thank you. Father seemed inclined to agree with your estimate--part of it, at least. He is very much interested in you, Mr. Paine.”