And you didn't know anything about it ?" "No, not a thing.

What can it mean ?" "_I_ don't know! That's the bell, isn't it?
Edwards!" But the butler was already on his way to the door.

A moment later he returned.
"Mr.Sylvester," he announced.
* * * * * Captain Elisha scarcely left his room, except for meals, during the remainder of that day and for two days thereafter.

He was unusually silent at table and avoided conversation even with Pearson, who was depressed and gloomy and made no attempt to force his society upon his friend.

Once, passing the door of the latter's room, he heard the captain pacing back and forth as if he were walking the quarter-deck of one of his old ships.