Drew—[With a scornful shrug.] I was forgetting it’s such a dead secret. That the craziest part, eh? [With sudden interest as if a new idea had come to him.] But you know all about it, don’t you—what the Captain plans to do on this voyage—and all that?
Horne—[Dryly.] Aye, as well as himself—but I’m tellin’ no man.
Drew—And I’m not asking. What do you suppose I care about any sneaking trade deal in the Islands he may have up his sleeve? What I want to find out is: Do you know enough about this business to make this one voyage alone and attend to everything—in case the Captain can’t go?
Horne—[Exchanging a quick glance with Cates—trying to hide his eagerness.] Aye, I could do as well as any man alive. I’ve been sailin’ this sea for twenty year or more and I know the Island trade inside and out. He could trust me for it—and I’d make more money for him than he’s likely to make with his head out o’ gear. [Then scowling.] On’y trouble is, who’d Captain her if he ain’t goin’?
Drew—[Disappointedly.] Then you don’t know navigation enough for that?
Horne—I’ve never riz above bo’sun. [Then after a pause in which he appears to be calculating something—curiously.] Why d’ye ask me them questions? [Insinuatingly—almost in a whisper.] It can’t be done ’less we got an officer like you aboard.
Drew—[Angrily.] Eh? What’re you driving at? D’you think I—
Sue—[Who has been listening with aroused interest.] Danny! [She comes down to him. Horne and Cates bob their heads respectfully and move back near the platform. Horne watches Sue and Drew out of the corner of his eye.] Danny, I’ve been listening to what you were saying, but I don’t understand. What are you thinking of?
Drew [Excitedly.] I was thinking—Listen, Sue! Seems to me from what I saw your Pa’s out of his right mind, and, being that way, he’s sure bound to go unless someone or something steps in to stop him. D’you think your Ma——?
Sue—[Shaking her head—sadly.] No, I’m afraid anything she says will only make things worse.