Ericksen insisted upon protracting the luncheon with a second bottle of "fizz-wine" in honour of the occasion; afterward all three departed, and separated at the Adams Street entrance to the "L", where the newly-married couple said farewell to Boatswain Joe.
No sooner had they vanished up the stairway than Boatswain Joe made all haste to his hotel. He found no message at the desk; but when he entered his room he found Dumont awaiting him.
"You—here! What's up, Frenchy?"
Smilingly, Dumont extended him a note Ericksen seized it and examined it with quick approval.
"It was very easily done, my friend," said Dumont, yawning sleepily. "So I came here myself. You seem to be irritated, eh? What is the matter?"
Ericksen gave vent to a full-blown curse.
"Matter enough! Here that swab has been and married her this mornin'!"
Dumont's brows lifted. He uttered a long whistle.
"They are married! Well, Cap'n Pontifex, he will not like that, eh?"
"Blast it!" snarled Ericksen. "Don't you see what it means?"