The Strathcona had steam up and was whistling to the Doctor to come aboard. On the Labrador coast you must leave promptly or the sea may punish you for the delay.
"See if you can't stop at the island off Napaktok Point, Doctor. They're livin' out there with nothin' but their own hats to cover 'em—if they've got any."
"I will," the Doctor promised, and was off.
When they came near the island, the dory was lowered, and Grenfell and his mate rowed toward the rocks.
"Can you see anything that looks like a house, Bill? You have better eyes than mine."
"No, Doctor. I been a-lookin'. I sees—nothing."
"I didn't expect you to do as well as that," said the Doctor. "But keep on looking. And call out when you see anything."
They rowed almost round the island, against a stiff head wind.
Each time they passed cove or headland they thought, "Well now, surely it must be just around the next point."
"There's a smoke, sir!" cried the sharp-eyed Bill.