"Never mind about Providence, Mr. Jones," said Holbrook, with a wave of his hand. "The Captain will look out for the yacht. You needn't be scared. Tell us about the sailors you get in your flock. How you learned all about boats from them."
Mr. Jones drew himself up a good foot. His head went up in the air and the look of defiance came into his eyes.
"The only fellows that got sent up with me were Jack Elwell and Bill Haskins," said he.
"How do you mean sent up with you?" asked Mrs. Holbrook.
"Well, they were caught straight enough," said the tall man, sadly.
"You mean they had to be caught and sent to you for spiritual teaching?" asked Mrs. Holbrook with a smile.
"Well, er—not exactly," said the tall man, in a voice which died away to a whisper.
"Ha, ha, ha, a good one on you, Mr. Jones," said Holbrook.
"Well, you see," went on the tall man, slowly, "you don't seem to understand just what I am." He looked at the Captain, who stood near at the wheel, but whose face was like a mahogany mask.
"Why, you are a clergyman, are you not?" asked Mrs. Holbrook.