"I don't like leaving him here," said Rosa, hesitating.
"Neither don't I," growled the boatswain. "'Ow-ever, I s'pose I'll run against 'im sooner or later."
He escorted Rosa to the door and, after a yearning glance at Mr. Filer, followed her out and walked by her side in silence.
"Poor fellow," said Rosa, at last. "How generous he is! I believe he'd give me anything I asked for."
Mr. Walters started and, bending his brows, muttered something about giving Mr. Filer more than he asked for.
"Oh, yes; I dare say," retorted Rosa, turning on him with sudden heat. "I'm not to speak to anybody to please you. You leave my friends alone. What's it got to do with you?"
"I see you," said Mr. Walters, darkly; "I see you from the ship. You little thought as 'ow I was a watching your little games."
Miss Jelks stopped and, drawing herself up, regarded him haughtily.
"I didn't ask you for your company, Mr. Walters," she said, sharply, "so you can take yourself off as soon as you like."