But in spite of this loyal support, the results obtained from Captain Jerry's wonderful plan had not been so startlingly successful as to warrant his feeling much elated. Ralph and Elsie were good friends and seemed to enjoy each other's society, but that was all that might be truthfully said, so far.
Captain Jerry, therefore, was a little discouraged as he sat in the sunshine and smoked and pondered. He hid his discouragement, however, and in response to Captain Eri's question concerning the progress of the matchmaking, said cheerfully:
“Oh, it's comin' along, comin' along. Kind of slow, of course, but you can't expect nothin' diff'rent. I s'pose you noticed he was here four times last week?”
“Why, no,” said Captain Eri, “I don't know's I did.”
“Well, he was, and week a fore that 'twas only three. So that's a gain, ain't it?”
“Sartin.”
“I didn't count the time he stopped after a drink of water neither. That wasn't a real call, but—”
“Oh, it ought to count for somethin'! Call it a ha'f a time. That would make four times and a ha'f he was here.”
Captain Jerry looked suspiciously at his friend's face, but its soberness was irreproachable, so he said:
“Well, it's kind of slow work, but, as I said afore, it's comin' along, and I have the satisfaction of knowin' it's all for their good.”