“D’ yuh mean do I want a battalion?”
“Yes.”
Keighley shook his head. “Not on yer life.”
“Why not?”
He looked out at the pierhouse, which they were approaching. “I like what I got. I been three months gettin’ things into shape here. It’s a good crew. It’s a hell of a good boat.”
“You’ll have a softer thing in the other.”
Keighley smiled crookedly. “Too much desk work. I ain’t happy unless I got a fire in front o’ me. When I want somethin’ softer, I’ll take my half pay an’ quit.”
“All right.” Borden stretched out his hand. “I hope that won’t be for a good many years yet, Dan. Good-bye.”
Keighley fumbled over the proffered hand. He was not used to the amenities. “Good-bye. I hope this’ll end the ‘Jigger’ bus’ness.”
The chief nodded. They shook hands solemnly. “I think it will.”