"It was so hot in my stateroom I couldn't sleep," answered Sam. "I came out to get the air."
"It's almost as hot on deck as it is anywhere," said the deck hand, and his tone had little of cordiality in it.
"I think I'll go forward and try it there."
"Yes, it's a little breezier at the bow, sir. By the way, did you— er—see me trying to catch some of those firefish just now?"
"I saw you doing something, I didn't see what."
"I thought I might get one, but they are all gone now," answered
Wingate, and slouched off, whistling in that peculiar manner of his.
Sam walked slowly to the bow. As he did this, Wingate turned to look at him in a speculative way.
"Wonder if the young fool saw what I was up to?" he muttered. "If he did I'd better go slow. I don't want to get caught. They might treat me pretty roughly."
The watch on deck was changed and Wingate went below. Asa Carey was in command of the yacht and he, too, wanted to know why Sam was up at such a late hour. The boy told him, but said nothing to the mate of Wingate's strange actions.
When Sam turned in, Dick wanted to know if he was sick.