“It is really exciting to travel on a boat like this,” commented his honor, presently. “You must enjoy it, captain.”
“I do sir, when the engine works all right, which it does usually,” Halstead answered.
The sea as smooth as ever, and no hindering breeze blowing, the craft behaved splendidly, making within a notch of her best speed. In time they left Martha’s Vineyard behind, and headed out toward the big, green island of Nantucket.
“The engine isn’t likely to break down this morning, is she?” asked the judge, who had just returned from a smoke aft.
“I don’t think so, sir. It would make a sad mix-up in your court work if we got stuck out here on the open sea, wouldn’t it, sir?”
“I imagine it would annoy my clerk a good deal,” replied Judge Swan, reflectively. “He would have to sit in court all day without me, and then, when four o’clock came, he would, in my absence, be obliged to declare court adjourned until nine o’clock to-morrow morning.”
“And in that case there wouldn’t be any legal session of the court to-day, would there, sir?”
“There couldn’t be a legal session in my absence. However, we’ll trust that your engine won’t meet with any mishap,” replied Judge Swan, smiling and turning away.
Tom Halstead’s hands began to tremble as he guided the wheel. There was a queer look in his eyes; his head was whirling a bit.
Had Judge Swan purposely given him a hint? It was a staggering thought. Halstead, when in doubt, was likely to think and act quickly.