Sard slipped on shoes, unrolled his trousers and went to report to Captain Cary, who was sitting bolt upright in a chair in his chart-room, being shaved by his steward.
“The tug has broken down, sir. She can’t be alongside till six this evening.”
“Who said this?”
“The skipper of the water-boat, sir.”
“Thank you, Mr. Harker. Mr. Harker.”
“Sir.”
“I shall wait for her. I won’t try the Rip-Raps without a tug. Carry on with your brass work and bright work. Stay one moment, I’ve got something to say to you, Mr. Harker. I believe you used to be fond of boxing?”
“Yes, sir.”
“The agents gave me some tickets the other night, for a sort of an assault-at-arms this afternoon. Since we are not to sail, perhaps you would like to take them, and go, after dinner this afternoon. Would you like to go?”
“Thank you, sir. Yes; very much.”