After we were two or three miles from the shore my thoughts went back to that winter afternoon when, having come on much the same course across the ice, we ran into the enemy’s hands, and all the details of that disagreeable venture came into my mind. The unpleasant memories must have shown themselves in my face, for Alec, who was sitting well forward while I minded the helm, said banteringly:—
“Now that you are put in command of a vessel, the weight of responsibility seems to bow you down.”
“It does indeed,” I replied, surprising him by turning that which he counted should be a jest into a serious remark. “Not that I think my responsibility any greater than yours; but to my mind we are set out on a venture wherein is far more of danger than we have yet encountered.”
“And you draw a long mouth because we may, perchance, run our heads into some peril?” he asked reproachfully.
“It is not that which troubles me so greatly, Alec Perry, as you should know full well by this time, having been comrades with me these three months. My gloomy thoughts are not brought about by fear of what may come to us; but because of the condition of affairs, as has just been represented to us.”
“And are you but this moment come to realize that we have built vessels, and yet have no force to man them? Has it just dawned upon you that the British can enter Presque Isle with but little opposition?”
“I had believed sailors would be sent as soon as needed,” I replied, looking at him in surprise, for there was a certain bitterness in his tone which gave me to understand he had been turning the unpleasant thought in his mind for many a day. “How long is it since you have had an understanding of the situation?”
“When we lay at the Black Rock Navy-Yard I half surprised, half forced Oliver into a confession that he was sorely disappointed because no heed had been given his request for men.”
“And said nothing to me?”
“I promised him I would hold my peace until the fact should be apparent to all.”