"I had a rather brilliant thought just now," said he, chuckling, and looking very silly, partly from the effects of the whiskey he had drank, and partly from the nature of his own thoughts.
He paused, as though he was not quite ready to express the brilliant thought. He turned over the pistol in his hand, and glanced foolishly at Miss Collingsby.
"What can I do?" asked Marian, evidently disgusted with his manner.
"I want some security for your father's good behavior," he replied.
"I will plead with him."
"It will do no good."
"What would you have me do?"
"I think I heard you say you would not marry my friend Ben Waterford, under any circumstances."
"I certainly would not," answered Marian.
"Exactly so; I don't wish to do anything to interfere with Ben's plans, for he is a good fellow. We started from Chicago with the intention of having a wedding, and I think we ought to carry out the programme," laughed the skipper. "You are a very pretty girl, Miss Collingsby. As the son-in-law of your father, I think I could make a favorable settlement with him. I am only twenty-seven."