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“Well, it would be just like him; but never you fear for him, miss, for he’s not born to be drowned, that boy isn’t, and sometimes I almost fear he’s born to be hanged, he does escape the dangers of the sea so constant.”

“Oh, Peggy, don’t speak so, for you fairly frighten me,” and the slender, graceful form thrilled at the thought.

“Well, Miss Gladys, he’s not one to be hanged, either. He’s a boy who can take care of himself, come what may, for you remember what the doctor told you, how he went for rich Merchant Clemmons’ son and Ben Birney?”

“Yes, Mark will not be imposed on, gentle as is his nature; but I only wish I knew where he was.”

“So do I, miss, for the supper is getting cold waiting for him.”

“Well, I’m hungry enough to eat it, if it’s cold as ice,” said a cheery voice from the next room, and in came Mark, dripping wet.

“Oh, Mark, where have you been? I——”

“Don’t touch me, mother, for I am as wet as a drowned rat, for I’ve been overboard.”

“Ah! you were capsized?”

“Not a bit of it, mother, I’ve been swimming.”