“There’s nothing much to be done, Joey. Sprague will be back in a few moments. You go along with the captain.”
“But the last day, Mr. Brown!”
“Pshaw!” said he. “Everything’s ready for the new man, Joey. Everything’s in order.”
“I’m going to miss you awfully, Mr. Brown!”
There was a subdued sort of distress in her voice that touched him. He patted her shoulder kindly.
“I’ll be coming back to the island in six months, Joey, and then I’ll look in now and then to see how things are getting along. This new man—I don’t fancy he’ll make many changes. Things will go on in the same old way. You go along home with the captain, Joey.”
“I wish you a good trip, Mr. Brown. Good-by!”
“Pshaw!” he said again. “Au revoir, we’ll say, Joey.”
“Au revoir, Mr. Brown, and thank you.”
They shook hands, smiling at each other.