He actually had the temerity to strike a match, and we then saw that he was bending down, looking at something.
"Aren't there any others loose?" I cried, in amazement.
"I don't think so!" he replied coolly. "I'll just go and see!"
Once more a deep silence had fallen on the vessel and, tense with anxiety, we waited while he went below.
"He simply doesn't know what fear is," said Croft.
"I don't think he ever did," I answered. "Certainly, not since he was rejuvenated."
"If those old men at Windhuk start complaining, it would be as well to mention this affair."
"Don't worry!" I observed. "Gran'pa will be the first to rub it in, if necessary. His accomplishments are many—and he never forgets the fact."
A minute or so later, Gran'pa was on deck again, serenely explaining that everyone below was quite comfortable and safe.
"A little excited, perhaps," he joked. "But that is only to be expected."