John Doane, who was still hesitating, hesitated no longer. He seized his bag.
“Good-by, all,” he said, in a choked voice. “Good-by, Captain Dott.”
He strode through the doorway. Gertrude, for a moment, remained where she was. Then she followed him.
“John!” she cried, “John!”
John, half way down the steps, halted, turned, and looked up at her.
“Good-by, Gertie,” he said.
“But, John, are you—aren't you—”
She stretched out her hands. Mr. Hungerford, pushing by the captain and Serena, stepped in front of her.
“Here, you!” he shouted, addressing the cabman; “what are you thinking about? Why don't you take the gentleman's bag?”
The driver sprang to get the bag, incidentally he seized his prospective passenger by the arm.