August throbbed and burned itself out . Affairs along shore continued as usual . Benjamin shut his sorrow up in himself and gave no outward sign of suffering . As if to mock him , the season was one of phenomenal prosperity ; it was a `` mackerel year '' to be dated from . He worked hard and unceasingly , sparing himself in no way . Braithwaite seldom came to the shore now . Mary Stella never . Mr. Murray had tried to speak of the matter , but Benjamin would not let him . `` It 's best that nothing be said , '' he told him with simple dignity . He was so calm that Mr. Murray thought he did not care greatly , and was glad of it . The older man regretted the turn of affairs . Braithwaite would take his daughter far away from him , as his sister had been taken , and he loved Benjamin as his own son . One afternoon Benjamin stood by his boat and looked anxiously at sea and sky . The French Canadians were eager to go out , for the other boats were catching . `` I do n't know about it , '' said Benjamin doubtfully . `` I do n't half like the look of things . I believe we 're in for a squall before long . It was just such a day three years ago when that terrible squall came up that Joe Otway got drowned in . '' The sky was dun and smoky , the glassy water was copper-hued , the air was heavy and breathless . The sea purred upon the shore , lapping it caressingly like some huge feline creature biding its time to seize and crunch its victim .
`` I reckon I 'll try it , '' said XXXXX after a final scrutiny .
Benjamin Braithwaite Canadians Murray Stella drowned mackerel prosperity sea year