They are not fit even to know I have such a child, much less to see her.

Be secret! Can I trust you, my boy ?" "I'll write for you with all my heart," said Blair in astonishment; "and of course I wont name it if you don't wish me to; no, not to a soul on board.

But I shall have to tell my mother, or she wont know what to do with the letter." "Just ask her to mail it for one of your shipmates.

That will be enough," said Derry quickly.

"'Least said, soonest mended.' I have my reasons.