Corcoran Dunn, in the
kindness of her heart, told her the "truth" that afternoon. But pride
and indignation had prevented her giving way. Now, however, she broke
down.
"Oh--oh, Steve!" she cried, and, turning to her brother, sobbed
hysterically on his shoulder. "Oh, Steve, what shall we do?"
Stephen put his arm about her waist. "It's all right, Sis," he said
soothingly. "Don't cry before HIM! I guess," with a glance at his uncle,
"you've said enough to make even him understand--at last."
Captain Elisha looked gravely at the pair. "I guess you have," he said
slowly. "I guess you have, Caroline. Anyhow, I can't think offhand of
anything you've left out. I could explain some things, but what's the
use? And," with a sigh, "you may be right in a way. Perhaps I shouldn't
have come here to live. If you'd only told me plain afore just how you
felt, I'd--maybe I'd--but there! I didn't know--I didn't know. You see,
I thought... However, I guess that part of your troubles is over. But,"
he added, firmly, "wherever I am, or wherever I go, you must understand
that I'm your guardian, just the same. I considered a long spell afore I
took the place, and I never abandoned a ship yet, once I took command of
her. And I'll stick to this one! Yes, sir! I'll stick to it in spite of
the devil--or the Dunns, either.
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