16 OVER ON THE ISLAND

as its preceding owners did. She was an old lady and was accustomed to have hot milk brought up to her room every night. She liked nutmeg in it, too. So she had the bar inside the box made into a nutmeg grater! It did not alter the outside appearance of the box, but somehow, it seemed a shame. Mrs. Muncey willed the snuff—box to her granddaughter. And to—day it is in Carleton.

Carleton!

How far my mind had wandered from the cable. But “Carleton" recalled me suddenly. I must push on.

3

What a day for a walk! The clouds floated lazily across their placid blue background. Now and again the sun peeped out hurriedly. From the shelter of the roadside a few crickets spoke briefly. A robin floated quietly across the road in search of an unwary worm. A squirrel peered cautiously from a sheltered branch. And I sauntered along, serene and happy on a glorious summer’s day.

It was not far to Cape Traverse. It was not nearly far enough. Gradually a quiet breeze sprang up unbidden. It increased swiftly. Finally it whirled me along the road. What a variable day it had turned out to be!

And where was I going?

Some one had told me that in Cape Traverse an ice-boat captain still dwelt. And this man I was bent on finding.

At a curve in the road stood a small square house. Seated as it was so near the road, it seemed to be an alert little dwelling. This was the house I sought.