The next day Sheldon was left all alone.

Joan had gone exploring Pari- Sulay, and was not to be expected back until the late afternoon.

Sheldon was vaguely oppressed by his loneliness, and several heavy squalls during the afternoon brought him frequently on to the veranda, telescope in hand, to scan the sea anxiously for the whale-boat.

Betweenwhiles he scowled over the plantation account-books, made rough estimates, added and balanced, and scowled the harder.

The loss of the _Jessie_ had hit Berande severely.