"So, if you'll jest keep the money for us, so's when we're too old to go to sea we'll have somethin' laid up, it'll be all right."
"Your decision is a wise one," said Maynard. "As it happens, I'll be able to offer you work. These men look to me to be all right. Can you vouch for them, Mr. Gersey?"
"They're prime seamen, every one of 'em, an' orderly an' decent men. Not but what they sometimes gits laid by the heels ashore, but afloat there ain't no more properer men to be found."
"I thought so. Well, I own a three-thousand-ton steam yacht, barkentine rigged--the Stephanie--named after my daughter here. She will be due in San Francisco in two weeks. We are contemplating an extended cruise to the south seas. Have you ever been in steam, Mr. Gersey?"
"Most of my life, sir."
"There's a berth aboard her as bo's'n, or fourth officer, for you, and I'll ship every man here at double pay before the mast. You can pick one of them for bo's'n's mate. We've never had a bo's'n on the yacht, but I've no doubt we can use one handily."
"Are you goin' to hunt for Beekman, sir, I makes bold to ask," questioned the boatswain, his face shining.
"I'm going to search the seas until I find him, or what became of him, if possible; and, incidentally, Salver and the launch."
"We're with you, howsomever long that cruise," said the boatswain. "Am I right, mates?"
"Right you are," came in deep-toned approval from the little group of sailors.