O God! it can't be true! it CAN'T be true!" He was sobbing now, his face hidden by his wrist and the cuff of his coat, the big tears striking his pea-jacket and bounding off.

It had been many years since these springs had yielded a drop--not when anybody could see.

They must have scalded his rugged cheeks as molten metal scalds a sand-pit.
Tod stood amazed.

The outburst was a revelation.

He had known the captain ever since he could remember, but always as an austere, exacting man.
"I'm glad, captain," Tod said simply; "the men'll be glad, too.