"There's me, cap'n," said Ben modestly.
"There's no one I'd rather send, Ben, but all Saltern will know who you are as soon as you put your head out of doors."
"And what if I don't put it out?" asked Ben.
The captain did not answer.
"Did you meet anyone when you came ashore last night?" he asked instead.
"Nary a one," declared Ben, "except Martha."
"And I've said nothing to anyone about your coming. There's no one in my confidence here. Who came ashore with you?"
"No one but the boat's crew with the mail-bags."
"They may have talked."
"Who to, cap'n?"