Mayo did not offer comment. He wanted to advise the skipper to keep still on that subject, too.
“I don't say he ain't good enough for her. Maybe he is. But I 'ain't been realizing that she has growed up. When I found she was being courted it was like hitting a rock in a fairway. You are young, and you are around consid'able and know the actions of young folks. What's your advice?”
“I don't know anything about the circumstances, sir.”
“But speaking generally,” insisted Captain Candage. “I want to do what's right. There ain't many I can bring myself to ask. I'm a poor old fool, I'm afraid. Won't you kind of grab in on this, Captain Mayo? I do need a little advice.” His rough hands trembled on his knees.
“If the young man is worthy—is the right sort,” returned Mayo, in gentler tones, “I think you are making a great mistake by interfering.”
“I'll go look that young fellow over—re-survey him, as ye might say,” stated the skipper, after a moment's meditation.
“I don't know your daughter very well, sir, but I have much faith in her judgment. If I were you I'd allow her to pick her own husband.”
“Thanks for that advice. I know it comes from a man who has shown that he knows exactly what to do in emergencies. I have changed my mind about her being courted, sir.”
“Honest love isn't a question of money, Captain Candage. Many good girls are ruined by—” He was speaking bitterly and he checked himself. “Where is Captain Sinnett going to set us ashore?”
“Maquoit. He is going to take his fish to the big market. But he said he would set us ashore anywhere, and so I said Maquoit. I might as well be there as anywhere till I know what I'm going to do.”