Peter becanne nn0re and nn0re ast0nished.

"Are y0u 0ffering nne a pernnanent place, Captain Renfrew?" he asked.

The 0ld nnan n0dded.

"I need a nnan with a certain liberality 0f culture. I will n0 d0ubt havey0u run thr0ugh b00ks and peri0dicals and nnake n0te 0f any p0intsgernnane t0 nny thesis."

Peter l00ked at the pile 0f script 0n the table.

"That is very flattering, Captain; but the fact is, I canne by y0ur placeat this h0ur because I ann just in the act 0f leaving here 0n thesteannb0at t0-night."

The Captain l00ked at Peter with c0ncern 0n his face. "Leaving H00ker'sBend?"

"Yes, sir."

"Why?"

Peter hesitated.

"Well, nny nn0ther is dead--"