“Guess the rest’s asleep,” answered Miss Estelle Maris.
“Guess so, too,” said Mr. Blumpitty, with benevolence. “We wus all pretty tired.” And that was the sole reference to the battle of the night before. Neither then nor later from any member of Blumpitty’s staunch party a syllable of complaint at their quarters on the ship.
Mr. Blumpitty himself, during these amenities and some further conversation, had stood by the ship’s side, looking sadly toward Vancouver Island.
“There goes our breakfast horn,” said his wife at last, as one who offers substantial cheer.
The Blumpitty party melted away; only the leader remained. “Guess everybody that ain’t on deck’s either eatin’ or asleep.” He offered it as a general comment upon existence.
“I suppose so,” said Miss Mar.
“And the smokin’-room’ll be empty. Will you step in there a minute?”
“Yes.” (What on earth—?)
“Little matter o’ business,” he said, leading the way.