“Better not neglect it,” advised Mr. Hammond.
“It really has never troubled me enough to speak of, but that board would have given a good crack to a harder head than mine.”
“Well, don’t try to stand all the watches. Make these youngsters take that wheel. Come back with me, and take it easy.”
“Thank you, sir, I will presently,” said the captain. He lifted a hand toward his head again, but hastily withdrew it. David, watching him, knew how he felt.
Back in the lounge, Dulcie was being entertained by Walter Cram. He was telling her far too much, but he didn’t know it. His egotism, his silly pride, his preposterous vanity ran over his narrative like an ugly stain, and through it all a slimy envy of David that puzzled Dulcie. As soon as she could, she left him and wandered around until she found Red Ryan, busy with his eternal testing.
“Do you ever stop?” she asked.
“I don’t want to, Miss Hammond. I love it. Every time I try a screw or test a wire, I think, ‘Here, you beauty, you can just depend on Red, who loves you like a sweetheart, to keep you trim and true.’ And all my fellas feel the same. We just love the Moonbeam, and what you feel love for, turns toil into pleasure.”
“What a man you are!” said Dulcie warmly. “Tell me, do you always tell the truth?”
“I try to,” said Red, looking puzzled.
Dulcie made the plunge.