Mary. But, Patsy, if you do stay, you must expect to obey orders.
Patsy. For sure, mum; I shpects to ’bey a raal laycensed cap’n. (Goes to wheel and sits by it.)
Mary. And now I am captain of my own vessel in name as well as in reality. God bless Secretary Folger! He has saved us from want, protected our little home, and given a woman the right to be captain of her own boat. If William were only here!
Phus (entering in great excitement). Oh, mis’! here’s de biggest s’prise in de worl’! (Beckoning.) Dis way! Dis way!
(Enter Captain Miller, L. All rise.)
Capt. M. Mary!
Mary. My dear William! I knew you would come back! (Embraces him.)
Capt. M. Of course, my darling wife. Why shouldn’t I come back?
Mary. Why, the papers said your vessel had drifted from the rest, and—
Capt. M. That is true. But we drifted to some purpose, for we struck a splendid school of halibut, and we stayed till we filled up. That’s the reason I did not write. And when we landed, I ran up to Annisport, and found Mother Gandy and Leafy Jane wanted to come with me, and so we all came along together.