“Are there any books aboard?” his honor wanted to know.
“There’s a book-shelf in the cabin, sir.”
Judge Swan disappeared into the cabin. The next time Halstead looked aft he saw the judge snug in one of the armchairs, reading.
The place was ideal for such a breakdown. The “Meteor” lay almost motionless upon the smooth sea, miles from land, with no troublesome reefs near. Under the awnings it was delightfully cool.
For an hour Joe remained in the motor room, neither Tom nor Jed bothering him with their presence. Then Tom went aft to see if their guest was comfortable. Judge Swan looked up with a pleasant smile.
“If I didn’t have that session of court on hand, captain, I wouldn’t mind if this break lasted all day.”
“It wouldn’t be bad,” the young skipper assented. “We have a good larder and a fine young cook aboard.”
“How serious is the break?” inquired his honor.
“Why, Dawson reports that he hopes very soon to be under way again.”
“I hope he won’t hurry enough to interfere with thorough repair,” pursued Judge Swan.