was quite evident that she was taking a mild joy in his discomfiture and eagerly awaiting further developments.

"When you are tired of this childish behaviour, miss," said the captain, stiffly——

There was a pause. "Kate!" said Mrs. Kingdom, in tones of mild reproof, "how can you?"

"Very good," said the captain, we'll see who gets tired of it first. "I'm in no hurry."

A delicate but unmistakable snore rose from his shoulder in reply.

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER VI

For the first few days after his return Sunwich was full of surprises to Jem Hardy. The town itself had changed but little, and the older inhabitants were for the most part easily recognisable, but time had wrought wonders among the younger members of the population: small boys had attained to whiskered manhood, and small girls passing into well-grown young women had in some cases even changed their names.

The most astounding and gratifying instance of the wonders effected by time was that of Miss Nugent. He saw her first at the window, and with a ready recognition of the enchantment lent by distance took the first possible opportunity of a closer observation. He then realized the enchantment afforded by proximity. The second opportunity led him impetuously into a draper's shop, where a magnificent shop-walker, after first ceremoniously handing him a high cane chair, passed on his order for pins in a deep and thrilling baritone, and retired in good order.

By the end of a