There was the flash of water, to be sure, and the street down which Darthea now led them stepped to its edge. At the foot of it there was a dock, busy with all the stir of departing ships and arriving passengers. Sailors were rushing about, porters hoisting baggage, a crowd of men and boys jostled each other, women and children too were to be seen.
Grasping the wallet firmly, and closely pursued by Ruth and Darthea, Rose dodged in and out of the crowd to the gangway leading on board. There a soldier was stationed, and as the three came running up, looking everywhere for Colonel Washington or the men of his party, he halted them.
“Are you sailing by this ship?” he wanted to know, looking doubtfully at their hatless state.
“No, but we have something of Colonel Washington’s which he let fall on the way here,” said Rose. “Let us in quickly, so that we can find him before the ship sails.”
The man hesitated. “Colonel who? I know him not. What game are you playing?”
He looked stupid and sullen, and the girls drew back dismayed. Just then Mr. Wynne appeared on deck, coming toward the gangway.
Rose flourished the wallet at him. “Make this man let us through,” she cried. “Colonel Washington dropped this beyond your gate, and we’ve brought it.”
The Quaker looked at them severely, but motioned the soldier to allow them to pass.
“It is not meet for you to come like this,” he said sternly, looking at them gravely as they came timidly up to him. “Where was Hugh that he could not have fetched the packet hither?”
“They had gone into the house, and I happened to see it as you all turned the corner,” explained Rose. “Please, may I give it to the Colonel?” and she clutched the wallet tightly to her breast.