"Of course, if you don't wish to answer any question I may ask, you can decline to answer, as I do, Don John."
"I am entirely willing to answer any and every question that concerns me."
"As you please; but you can't be called upon to say anything that will criminate yourself."
"Criminate myself, sir!" exclaimed Donald, aghast. "I haven't done anything wrong."
"I don't say that you have, Don John; more than that, I don't believe you have; but if you answer any question of mine, you must do it of your own free will and accord."
"For what did Laud Cavendish pay you three hundred and fifty dollars?"
"For the Juno," replied Donald, promptly.
"He said he did to-day; at least, he said he was going to change her name," added Nellie.
"The fact that I did not know it doesn't prove that it was not so. You sold the Juno to Laud, did you, Don John?"
"No, sir; I did not buy her; he made me a present of her."
"Yes, sir; he got disgusted with her, and gave her to me. I could not afford to keep her, and sold her to Laud Cavendish."
"But Captain Shivernock is a very strange man."
"None will dispute that," replied Captain Patterdale, with a smile and a shrug of the shoulders. "That man throws away his property with utter recklessness; and I should not be surprised if he ended his life in the almshouse. I will not ask any explanation of the conduct of Captain Shivernock. Laud Cavendish is not a man of means. Did he tell you, Donald, where he got his money to buy a boat worth three hundred and fifty dollars?"
"He did, sir, and explained the matter so that I was satisfied; for I would not sell him the Juno till he convinced me that there was no hitch about the money."
"I don't feel at liberty to tell, sir; for he told me it was a great secret, which did not affect him, but another person. I inquired into the matter myself, and was satisfied it was all right."
"I am afraid you have been deceived, Don John; but I am convinced you have done no wrong yourself--at least, not intentionally. Secrets are dangerous; and when people wish you to conceal anything, you may generally be sure there is something wrong somewhere, though it may look all right to you. I have no more questions to ask to-night, Don John; but I may wish to see you again in regard to this subject. I must see Mr. Laud Cavendish next."