Page:Keeping the Peace.pdf/111

 fact James gathered a momentary hope. But this was to be instantly dashed.

"She needs money," said John, "and she needs your name. And for my part I don't choose to go to sea and leave behind me a niece or a nephew that hasn't any name."

"How do you know," said James in a truculent way, "that it is your—your relation?"

"It was obvious," said John, "that she was speaking the truth. What do you propose to do?"

"What do I propose to do? Well, I propose to think that out for myself, thanks." James's ugly streak was trying to show. "You paddle your own canoe and I'll paddle mine."

"You will marry her, of course," said John.

"Why should I? A lot you know about women. It was as much her fault as it was mine."

"I have often wondered," said John, "from whom you inherit your exquisite chivalry . . . Oh, James," he exclaimed, "shame on you! You have only one life to live. Don't you even want to start it right? Where are your fine clothes and your wheedling ways going to get you?—to what port will they bring you? There must be a streak of decency and manliness in you somewhere. Marry this girl—you've got to do that anyway—and then come to sea with me. She can manage somehow on what you can give her from your pay.