We must have a seat, cousin Forester, for
passengers and visitors, in the stern sheets."
"The stern sheets?" said Forester, "what do you mean by the stern
sheets?"
"Why, it is aft," said Marco, "between the coxswain's place and the
stroke-oarsman."
"You'll have to show us," said his aunt, "when we come to see the
boat."
This kind of conversation somewhat relieved Marco's mind, - but still
he was ill at ease, and he determined to tell Forester the whole story
at bedtime, if he could only summon up courage to begin.
Chapter VIII.
A Confession.
In the room where Marco slept, there was a large, stuffed arm-chair,
which was commonly called the easy chair; it was one that was seldom
used by the family, except in sickness. It stood in a corner of the
room not far from the head of Marco's bed. Forester used to sit in
this chair while he remained conversing with Marco, when he came up to
take his light.
When Forester had taken his seat in the great chair this evening,
according to his usual custom, he began his conversation by saying.
"Well, Marco, have you been helping James in the garden this
afternoon?"
"Why, no," said Marco, "I did not help him much, - I don't like James
very well."
"Why not?" asked Forester.
