"Yes, he's for'ard in his cabin. He's gone to bed."
"Are you there, skipper," said Hal, knocking at the door of a small cabin.
"Hallo, there; what's the matter?" shouted a voice from the inside, and presently the door opened and a head was thrust out.
"Can you take us to Port Arthur, to-night?"
"What?"
"Can you take us to Port Arthur, to-night?"
"No, I'll be hanged if I can."
"That's all right then. Sorry I disturbed you," said Hal, walking away.
"Hold hard, boss. Don't be in such a blooming hurry," called out the skipper, appearing on the deck, buttoning up his garments.
"Now then, what's it you want?"