"The boss has met with an accident," explained the oldest of the men, "and we don't know how to let his daughter know."
"Where is he?"
"In the cabin aft. Step below and see him for yourself."
Ellison did as he was directed, and went down the companion into the box of a cabin. An elderly man, with gray hair and beard, bearing an unmistakable likeness to Esther, lay on a roughly constructed bed placed on the port side. He looked up as Ellison entered.
"And who may you be?" he asked faintly.
"My name is Ellison," the other replied. "I have been a month in your employ—your daughter took me on as a carpenter and general hand in place of Paddy the Lasher, discharged."
"You talk like a gentleman."
"I was considered one once."
"Then you may be able to do me a good turn. I have met with a serious accident—slipped on those steps there and injured my back. From the numbness of my lower half, I'm almost afraid it's a hopeless case; but I don't want to frighten my daughter without need. Will you go up and break the news to her?"
"If you wish it. But surely it's not as bad as you say. Perhaps it's only a severe sprain."