Blow the Man Down - A Romance of the Coast

"That's a fisherman all right, and he's bound to come clost enough to

make us out," stated Captain Candage, his steady gaze to southward.

"But here comes another fellow who is going to beat him to us,"

announced Captain Mayo, gaily.

"And what do you make it?" asked the skipper, blinking at the distant

smoke.

"A yacht, probably."

"Huh? A yacht! If that's what it is they'll most likely smash right

past. They'll think we're out here on a fishing picnic, most like.

That's about all these yacht fellers know."

The girl gave her father a frown of protest, but Mayo smiled at her.

"I think this one is different, sir. If I am not very much mistaken,

that is the yacht Olenia and she is hunting me up. Mate McGaw is one

of our best little guessers."

A quarter of an hour later he was able to assure them that the on-coming

craft was the Olenia.

"Good old Mate McGaw!" he cried, rapturously. In his joy he wished he

could make them his confidants, tell them who was waiting for him on

board that yacht, make them understand what wonderful good fortune was

his.

After a time--the long time that even a fast yacht seems to consume in

covering distance to effect the rescue of those who are anxious--the

Olenita's whistle hooted hoarsely to assure them that they had been

seen.

"The same to you, Mate McGaw!" choked Captain Mayo, swinging his cap in

wide circles.

"Seeing that things have come round as they have, I'm mighty glad for

you, Captain Mayo," declared Candage. "I ain't no kind of a hand to

plaster a man all over with thanks--"

"I don't want thanks, sir. We worked together to save our lives."

"Then I'm hoping that there won't be any hard feelings one way or the

other. I have lost my schooner by my blasted foolishness. So I'll say

good-by and--"

"Good-by?" demanded Mayo, showing his astonishment. "Why are you saying

good-by to me now?"

"Because you are going aboard your yacht."

"The rest of you are going there, too."

"It ain't for poor critters like us to go mussing--"

"Look here, Captain Candage, I am the captain of that yacht, and I say

that you are coming on board and stay until I can set you ashore at the

handiest port."

"I'd just as lieve wait for that fisherman, sir. I'll feel more at home

aboard him."