"A boatman, was he?"
"Yes. And the worst of it was, his boat broke down a couple of times on the way, and he didn't seem to know much about fixing it. I couldn't help him, and he didn't even have the satisfaction of being able to swear."
Rosalind found herself listening with breathless attention.
"What sort of a boat was it?" she asked.
"Not much to look at. Rather dirty, too."
She had more than a suspicion.
"What did the man look like?" carelessly.
"A chap with a beard. Long, thin person. Why?"
"Oh, nothing! I think I've seen him around. You say he is a deaf-mute?"
"Absolutely. I met him on the wharf up at Clayton, and when I asked him a question about the boats he made signs at me. Then I felt sort of sorry for him, and thought I'd give him a job."