He did not find Marston a comforting object for his gaze; the
transportation magnate was pacing the port alley with a stride that was
plainly impatient. Close beside the gangway stood Alma Marston, spotless
in white duck. Each time her father turned his back on her she put out
her clasped hands toward her lover with a furtive gesture.
Polly Candage watched this demonstration with frank interest, and
occasionally stole side-glances at the face of the man who stood beside
her on the schooner's bottom; he was wholly absorbed in his scrutiny of
the other girl.
Mate McGaw himself was at the tiller of the tender. His honest face was
working with emotion, and he began to talk before the oarsmen had eased
the boat against the overturned hulk.
"I haven't closed my eyes, Captain Mayo. Stayed up all night, trying
to figure it out. Almost gave up all notion that you were aboard the
schooner. You didn't hail the boat we sent out."
"I tried to do it; perhaps you couldn't hear me."
Captain Candage's countenance showed gratitude and relief.
"This morning I tried Lumbo and two other shelters, and then chased
along the trail of the blow."
Mayo trod carefully down the bilge and clasped the mate's hand. "I was
looking for you, Mr. McGaw. I know what kind of a chap you are."
McGaw, still holding to the captain's hand, spoke in lower tones. "Had
a devil of a time with the owner, sir. He was bound to have it that you
had deserted."
"I was afraid he would think something of the sort."
The mate showed frank astonishment. "You was afraid of what? Why,
sir, I wanted to tell him that he was a crazy man to have any such ideas
about you! Yes, sir, I came nigh telling him that! I would have done it
if I hadn't wanted to keep mild and meek whilst I was arguing with him
and trying to make him give me leave to search!"
"We have had a terrible time of it, Mr. McGaw," stated Mayo, avoiding
the mate's inquisitiveness. "I am going to take these folks on board and
set them ashore."
"Ay, sir, of course."
The two of them stood with clasped hands and held the tender close to
the wreck until the passengers embarked. When they reached the foot of
the Olenia's steps Captain Mayo sent his guests ahead of him.
Marston paused in his march and scowled, and the folks on the
quarter-deck crowded to the rail, showing great interest.