Blow the Man Down - A Romance of the Coast

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.