assed tutor bearded

words with you, captain!'

' testily demanded the captain, grievously annoyed at

ectedly. 'The fact is, the boys are g

iently with his pen as he sat surrounded

r means than that!' was

e had noted the calm smile of a self-controlled nature that flitted across the face of the young man standi

oom and horsewhip the young scamps for you! You see for yourself how my time is occupied on a

one. It comes to this, captain, I don't feel that it's quite honest to be taking your money for the mockery of teaching the boys, particu

l be boys all the world over. Alick is no worse than others, I suppose. You're too conscientious. It's absurd!' ended the sailor in a more kindly ton

, mind you, but my Theo has it. Just go and consult her, and let me get on with my work, I beg of you. I am going over my MSS. for the fifth time, young man! That will give you an idea of my perseverance with difficulties. Fo

ch a talent for managing and organising; she takes after me!' he added, with a complacence that would have received a rude shock by a little plain spea

erred me to you about a matter I h

unproductive garden, hanging sheer over the little rocky headland on which the captain had built his bunk, when he came to s

ce belonged to Theo and her pupil. They were busy over the Monday Bible-lessons, it being a wise rule of the young

ht the infection. Books had been flung up to the ceiling; the ink-bottles deliberately emptied; and the rebels daringly shouted 'Rule Britannia!' from the top of the table on which they had leaped, brandishing the fire-irons. The tutor knew that he could have severely chastised one of the boys, and conquere

th vexation. 'It's hard for you to be subjected to such treatment. The boys are truly unmanageable. B

pale face growing set. 'I must have an apology from them b

There were breakers ahead, she foresaw. The idea of Alick, or Geoff either, apologis

hould vex you!' was the grave reply; and

ently down upon the waves leaping over the black rocks below. 'Vex me! It's more than that. Oh, it's too b

and a loved voice, long since dumb, rang in her ears: 'You will promise, Theo, to be a little mother to the boys, and help them o

at the far ends of the world on his good ship, and mother-ah, farther off still was the mother, who had slipped out of the little home. Theo remembered, with a pang, the clinging hands of the desolate boys and the baby, Queenie, which had stirred her out of her own stupor of sorrow. It was borne in upon her, then, that she must step into the dead mother's empty place; and, frail, weak girl though she was, she had d