"I think I'm safer on deck than on a horse," said Ben.
It was Captain Ben Bruce who came quietly along the deck of the Sea-mew and looked at Picton Woodridge as he gazed over Torquay bay. A kindly look was in his eyes, which were always bright and merry, for he was a cheerful man, not given to look on the dark side of things. His affection for Picton was that of a father for a son, in addition to being a companion and a friend. He noticed the sad far-away look on Picton's face, and wondered what it was that caused the shadow on this beautiful April morning.
"I'll leave him to his meditations," he thought; "he'll be down for breakfast, and I'll ask him then."
He was about to turn away when Picton looked round and said with a smile: "Something told me you were there."
"Telepathy," said Ben.
"Sympathy," said Picton. "Do you know what I was thinking about?"
"No; I saw you were pensive. I'd have asked you at breakfast, you looked so serious."
"I was serious."
"What caused the passing cloud on such a glorious morning?" asked Ben.
Picton took him by the arm, his grip tightened; with the other hand he pointed to the battleship.