'I like gumption,' said Captain Cuttwater. 'You've a great deal of gumption—that's why I like you.'
Alaric laughed, and muttered something.
'Now I have been thinking of something;' and Uncle Bat looked strangely mysterious—'I wonder what you think of Gertrude?'
'Who—I?' said Alaric.
'I can see through a millstone as well as another,' said the captain; 'and I used to think that Norman and Gertrude meant to hit it off together.'
Alaric said nothing. He did not feel inclined to tell Norman's secret, and yet he could not belie Gertrude by contradicting the justice of Captain Cuttwater's opinion.
'I used to think so—but now I find there's nothing in it. I am sure Gertrude wouldn't have him, and I think she's right. He hasn't gumption enough.'
'Harry Norman is no fool.'
'I dare say not,' said the captain; 'but take my word, she'll never have him—Lord bless you, Norman knows that as well as I do.'
Alaric knew it very well himself also; but he did not say so.