Then both began shrieking "Cap'n Kendrick" at the top of their voices.
To pretend not to hear would have been too ridiculous. There was but thing to do and he did it.
"Aye, aye," he answered, impatiently. "I'm comin'!"
When he reached the platform Elizabeth was still there. She was surprised to see him, evidently, but there was another expression on her face, an expression which he did not understand. He bowed gravely.
"Good mornin'," he said. She returned his greeting, but still she continued to look at him with that odd expression.
"Mr. Bradley's all ready for you," announced the office boy, who was holding the door open. Sears' foot was at the 'threshold when Elizabeth spoke his name. He turned to her in surprise.
"Yes?" he replied.
For an instant she was silent. Then, as if obeying an uncontrollable impulse, she came toward him.
"Cap'n Kendrick," she said. "May I speak with you? In private? I won't keep you but a moment."
"Why—why, yes, of course," he stammered. He turned to the office boy. "Go and tell Mr. Bradley I'll be right there," he commanded. The boy went.