Mr. Lakewood hesitated for an instant.
"Reckon you'd better," he finally said.
Captain Ole gave the order and the boat slowly lost headway and then backed. Josh was waiting and, as her side brushed the wharf, he jumped on board and she started ahead again.
"Well?" the captain demanded sternly, as the officer stood at the foot of the stairs.
"Sorry I kept you waitin', captain, but I couldn't help it," the mate replied.
"Why couldn't you?"
"I was detained."
"By what?"
"Business."
"You mean you won't tell me?"