to speak to me on that

  "He spoke to me about having a beau," said Aunt Rachel, in a shocked tone.   Jack burst into a fit of hearty laughter. "Perhaps he's going to make you an offer, Aunt Rachel," he said. "He wants to see if there's anybody in the way."   Rachel did not appear so very indignant.   "It was improper for a stranger to speak to me on that subject," she said, mildly.   "You must make allowances for the bluntness of a sailor," said Mrs. Harding.   For some reason Rachel did not seem as low-spirited as usual that evening. Capt. Bowling entertained them with narratives of his personal adventures, and it was later than usual when the lamps were put out, and they were all in bed.  Chapter 5 The Captain's Departure  "Jack," said the captain, at breakfast, the next morning, "how would you like to go round with me to see my vessel?"   "I'll go," said Jack, promptly.   "Very likely he'll fall over into the water and be drowned," suggested Aunt Rachel, cheerfully.   "I'll take care of that, ma'am," said Capt. Bowling. "Won't you come yourself?"