“Yes,” she said, surprised. “How did you know?”
The old gentleman smiled.
“Your fame has probably traveled faster than you think, my dear,” he said kindly. “A good many people are interested in the work you are doing.”
So it happened that Ruth stayed longer than she had intended with Mr. Knowles and visited the cabin oftener. The more they talked the more subjects of mutual interest they seemed to discover.
The indulgent doctor, seeing what a beneficial effect the girl’s presence was having upon his elderly patient, encouraged Ruth to visit him often and stay on and chat with him.
So started the friendship between Ruth and the lonely old man, a friendship that was destined to last throughout that long trip to St. Michael and for some time after, as well.
Mr. Knowles had received no serious injury from his fall overboard. The shock of the fall and the consequent exposure had to a large extent been counteracted by the prompt medical attention of the ship’s doctor and by Ruth’s careful nursing, so that in a day or two he was able to be on deck much the same as usual.
It was not until Ruth’s friendship with the old gentleman was some four days old that she learned the history of the Chase girls.
The story must have been very close to the old gentleman’s heart, for Ruth had several times sensed that he was on the point of making her his confidante.
On this particular occasion they were both chatting idly and pleasantly about some trivial amusing incidents that had happened aboard ship when the old gentleman turned to her suddenly and said: