In less than an hour the store was closed up, a death notice pasted on the door, and then Frank accompanied Richard down to the ferry.
On the corner of Liberty Street they met Pep, who started back in surprise.
"I was just comin' up to see you!" he exclaimed to Richard. "My uncle wants you to come right down!"
"Wants me to come down?" queried Richard. "What for?"
"Don't know exactly. Dad's there, and they both want to see you. You'd better go right away; but maybe you was going," added Pep suddenly.
"No, I wasn't. I was going to take a train home," replied Richard.
"Perhaps it's nothing in particular."
He had an hour before train time, and, accompanied by Frank, walked down to the Watch Below.
Doc Linyard greeted him cordially. He was surprised to see Richard dressed up, and grieved to learn of the cause.
"Well, I'm glad as how I ain't got no bad news to tell you," said the old sailor with a grin. "Tom Clover is upstairs, in his right mind, and wants to see you."
"What about?"