The Matter Of A Monogram in Wax

"Well, why not try the heiress?" inquired the old skipper. "You know I
have always advised you strong about the heiress."

"Look here, Captain Wass, I don't want to hear any more jokes on that
subject," objected the young roan, curtly.

"No joke to this," stated the captain, with serenity. "Let's step into
this stateroom." He led the way and locked the door.

"There's no joke, son," he repeated, "and I don't like to have you show
any tartness in the matter. Seeing what friends we have been, I ain't
taking it very kindly because you have been so mighty close-mouthed.
I'm a man to be trusted. You made a mistake in not telling me. The thing
'most fell down between me and her!"

He frowned reproachfully at the astonished Mayo.

"She came expecting, of course, that I was about your closest friend,
and when I had to own up that you have never mentioned her to me she
thought she had made a mistake in me, and wasn't going to give me the
thing!"

"What thing, and what are you talking about?"

Captain Wass patted his coat pocket.

"I convinced her, and it was lucky that I was able to, for it's a matter
where only a close and careful friend ought to be let in. But after this
you mustn't keep any secrets away from me if you expect me to help you.
However, you have shown that you can take good advice when I give it to
you. I advised you to grab Julius Marston's daughter and, by thunder!
you went and done it. Now--"