Mr. Morton appeared to be interested.
"Now—if I'm not too inquisitive, you know—would he be a man with a beard?"
"He would; in fact, he was."
"Hum!"
Morton fell silent for a little, then turned to the river, raised his glasses, and made another survey. Miss Chalmers was becoming curious. Mr. Morton faced her.
"If you'll pardon me again, Miss Chalmers, would his name be Sam?" he inquired.
"He said it was. But why?"
Mr. Morton was silent again. Once more he scanned the St. Lawrence, now shining under the risen sun.
"Um—er—" said the dripping one as he abandoned his scrutiny. "Why? Did you ask why, Miss Chalmers? Why—er—really, no reason at all, you know. I've seen him—that's all. Just occasionally, you know. Really no reason at all, I assure you."
Miss Chalmers was assured there was a reason. She did not, however, pursue the inquiry. She told herself that it would be unseemly; what she meant was that it might be embarrassing.