Danbury turned sharply. In the light which now flooded up from below, he saw Wilson’s features quite clearly, but for a moment he could not believe his eyes.
“What the devil–––” he began, then broke in abruptly, “Are you the same one––the fellow in the Oriental robe and bandaged head?”
“The same,” answered Wilson.
“The one I took from the crowd and brought home?”
“And clothed and loaned ten dollars, for which he is more thankful than ever.”
“But––did you get the girl?”
“Not yet,” answered Wilson. “I’m still after her.”
“Well,––but say, come on down.”
Danbury led the way into a small cabin so brilliant with the reflection of the electric lights against the spotless white woodwork that it was almost blinding. 138 But it was a welcome change from the dark and the cool night air and the discomfort of the last few hours. To Wilson it was almost like a feat of magic to have been shifted in an hour from the barren sands of the tiny island to such luxury as this. It took but the first glance to perceive that this young captain had not been limited in resources in the furnishing of his ship. Within the small compass of a stateroom he had compressed comfort and luxury. Yet there was no ostentation or vulgarity displayed. The owner had been guided by the one desire for decent ease and a certain regard for the eye. The left side of the room was occupied by the two bunks made up with the immaculate neatness characterizing all things aboard a good ship. The center of the room, was now filled with a folding table set with an array of silver, fine linen, and exquisite glass which would have done credit to the best board in New York. Beneath the group of electric lights it fairly sparkled and glistened as though it were ablaze. The wall to the right was adorned with a steel engraving of a thoroughbred bull pup.
“Now,” said Danbury, throwing himself into a chair, “I’d like to know how in thunder Stubbs got you.”