They were both, at one time, suitors for the hand of my late
wife."
"Indeed? I have been trying to enlist them for this business of the
mutiny."
"They were a simple pair, I remember, and would serve our purpose
admirably."
"I found them a trifle too simple. Well, I won't keep you just now.
Remember the help I expect from you; but we will talk that over in a
day or two. Meanwhile, keep a parent's eye upon your son (he's
called Tristram), for through him your reward will be attained.
Good night."
CHAPTER VII.
THE CAPTAINS MAKE A FALSE START.
It was past midnight when Captain Runacles left his friend's pavilion
and let himself through the little blue door to his own garden.
The heavens were clear and starry, and he paused for a moment on the
grass-plot, his hands clasped behind him, his head tilted back and
his eyes fixed on the Great Bear that hung directly overhead.
"Poor Jack!" he muttered, shaking his head at the constellation, as
if gently accusing Fate. His nature had been considerably softened
by the little man's distress, and he had come away with a generous
trouble in his heart.
"I shan't sleep a wink to-night," he decided; and went on
inconsequently, "After all, a girl is less anxiety than a boy.
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