eh ?" He buttoned his thick jacket up to the throat, and only then added a gloomy "Aye, likely enough," which discouraged further conversation.

But no encouragement would have induced the newly-joined second mate to enter the way of confidences.

His was an instinctive prudence.

Powell did not know why it was he had resolved to keep his own counsel as to his colloquy with Mr.Smith.

But his curiosity did not slumber.