St. John turned and saw Dr. Mackey standing near, the surgeon having come from the boathouse to listen in silence to the conversation which was taking place.
He had met the doctor at the Oldville tavern the evening before, and bowed stiffly.
"I am sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Ruthven," said the doctor; "but I am curious to visit the old wreck on Hemlock Bluff rocks. Perhaps this man has another boat——"
"Oh, it doesn't matter, Dr. Mackey," answered St. John.
"You are evidently a cousin to Miss Marion Ruthven."
"I am."
"And a cousin to the lad named Jack."
"He is no cousin of mine—even though my aunt has foolishly treated him as her son."
"Why foolishly?"
"He is a waif of the sea—cast up from that wreck; yet my aunt presents him to the world as a Ruthven—when he may be of very low birth."