“But, father, PLEASE—”
“Stop!... Julia, Julia... are you there? What is it about Lulie? Tell me.”
Little Cherry Blossom herself seemed a bit nervous, for her next message was given with a trifle less assurance. It was an incoherent repetition and re-repetition of the word “daughter” and something about “looking out” and “danger.”
Captain Jethro caught at the word.
“Danger?” he queried. “Danger for Lulie? Is that what you mean, Julia? I'm to look out on account of danger comin' for Lulie? Is that it, Julia?”
Lulie made one more desperate plea.
“Father,” she begged, “please don't! Of course there isn't any danger for me. This is SO ridiculous.”
“Be still, I tell you.... Is that it, Julia? Is it?” Little Cherry Blossom with some hesitation indicated that that was it. A rustle of excitement stirred the circle.
“What kind of danger?” demanded the light keeper, eagerly. “Can't you tell me that, Julia?”
Apparently she could not, for there was no reply. The captain tried to help by suggestion.