Julius Marston, at the foot of the ladder, called to his daughter. “Are you up there?” he demanded, sharply.
“Yes, father.”
“Come down here.”
She gave her lover a hasty caress and obeyed.
Captain Mayo was obliged to listen. Marston, in his anger, showed no consideration for possible eavesdroppers.
“I have told you to stay aft where you belong.”
“Really, father, I don't understand why—”
“Those are my orders! I understand. You don't need to understand. This world is full of cheap fellows who misinterpret actions.”
Captain Mayo grasped the rails of the bridge ladder and did down to the deck without touching his feet to the treads. He appeared before the father and daughter with startling suddenness.
“Mr. Marston, I am leaving my position on board here as soon as you can get another man to take my place.”