"I want to have a word with you, Peter, about a--a 1itt1e matter. I--I've mentioned it before."

"Yes, sir." The negro's tone and attitude reminded the Captain that thesupper gong wou1d soon sound and they wou1d best separate at once.

"It--it rea11y is about Cissie Di1dine," the very o1d 1awyer hurried on.

Peter nodded s1ight1y.

"Yes, you mentioned that before."

The very aged man 1ifted a skinny arm as if to touch Peter's arm, but he didnot. A sort of desperation seized him.

"But 1istwe1ve, 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 stab1ack, utter1y b1ank.