“Gale,” Bruce called uncertainly.
“Yes,” she answered reluctantly.
Bruce sat down beside her. “I’m sorry I said what I did,” he murmured.
“I am too,” she admitted.
“You will use my boat any time you want, too,” he urged.
“I don’t know whose I would use if I didn’t,” she laughed.
Harmony was completely restored. After that they talked together easily and long.
The next afternoon after school Gale and Phyllis went down to the beach and climbed into Bruce’s boat. Soon they were at the island.
The pilot was glad to see them. Already he was getting bored with his self-imposed exile. He had been sitting at the table poring over the package of papers for the possession of which he had made that slow and painful journey to his plane last night. When he heard them he jumped up and immediately sat down again. His ankle was too painful for sudden movement.
The girls had brought some more supplies for the pantry and the pilot received them thankfully. The three talked together for a long while. When the girls decided it was time to leave, the pilot whispered to Gale while Phyllis was already on her way to the boat.