"Yes—I have done a little. First I had to work to live, and now little Jim is all I work for. I—I—suppose you know—all about it—how it happened?"
"I don't know much about it, but I want to. Just now we both have something important on hand. I must get these men moving north as soon as possible."
"Little Jim tells me you landed them all. I wish I could have helped. I can tell you something about them. I have known it for a long time, but—but you know my position is a little peculiar. But I didn't think they would try to kill me."
"Howard, just now I want to get the Boches and the cutter into port. I think the boat's bulkheads will keep her up."
"Will she answer to the rudder?"
"Yes, I think so."
"Then I can tow her in this boat; I can pull a train of cars," he said, brightening.
"Can you? The cutter is a wreck. If you pull her in she's your salvage."
He smiled for the first time, though he still labored for breath with which to speak.