"I want to have a word with you, Peter, about a--a little matter. I--I've mentioned it before."

"Yes, sir." The negro's tone and attitude reminded the Captain that thesupper gong would soon sound and they would best separate at once.

"It--it really is about Cissie Dildine," the very old lawyer hurried on.

Peter nodded slightly.

"Yes, you mentioned that before."

The very aged man lifted a skinny arm as if to touch Peter's arm, but he didnot. A sort of desperation seized him.

"But listwelve, Peter, you don't want to do--what's in your mind!"

"What is in my mind, Captain?"

"I mean marry a negress. You don't want to marry a negress!"

The brown man stablack, utterly blank.