He did not have to utter Sheila's name. Indeed, he was doubtful by what name it would be wise to call her. But he did not have to be plainer with little John-Ed. He saw in the sly expression of the boy's eyes that he knew whom he meant. But he shook his head.
"You know where she went," was the schooner captain's accusation. "Where is she?"
"I—I can't tell you," stammered the boy. "I promised not."
A promise is a promise, especially to a small boy who scorns to "snitch." Tunis thought a moment.
"Show me," he said, and his voice had in it that tone which made the foremast hands jump to obey when a squall was coming.
The boy got promptly off the wall.
"All right," he said gruffly. "But don't you tell her I showed you, Cap'n Tunis Latham."
"Trust me," agreed the captain of the Seamew, and followed after little John-Ed with such tremendous strides that the latter had to run to keep ahead of him.
Tunis was led to that point on the bluff from which a curl of smoke from the cabin chimney could be seen. He halted almost in horror—stricken to the heart when he understood.
"Alone?" he muttered.