"
"You do, indeed. That red bandana--and the earrings--and the
mustache--and stain. Why, uncle! even to that tattooing----"
He looked down at his bared arm and nodded proudly.
"Ye-as. That time I went away ten year ago and left Joab to run the
store (and a proper mess he made of things!) I found a feller down in
the South End of Boston and he fixed me up with this tattoo work for
twenty-five dollars. Course, I didn't dare show it none here--kep' my
sleeves down an' my throat-latch buttoned all winds and weathers. But
now------"
He laughed again, full-throated and joyous like a boy. Then, suddenly,
he grew grave.
"Niece Louise, I wonder if you can have any idea what this here
dead-and-alive life all these years has meant to me? Lashed hard and
fast to this here store, and to a stay-ashore life, when my heart an'
soul was longin' to set a course for 'way across't the world?
Sargasso--that's it. This was my Sargasso Sea--and I was smothered in
it!"
"I think I understand, Cap'n Abe," the girl said softly, laying her
hand in his big palm.
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