Landless walked aft and took the tiller from Regulus' hand, motioning him forward to the place he had himself occupied. The negro stared, but went with his accustomed docility. Patricia sat upright in indignant surprise.
"What are you doing?"
"I am about to head the boat for the shore," suiting the action to the word.
Her eyes blazed. "Did you not hear me say that I wished to proceed to Rosemead?"
"Yes, madam, I did."
"I order you, sir—"
"And I choose to disobey."
"I shall report you to Colonel Verney."
"As you please, madam."
From the prow, where he had been taking observations, Regulus cried in a startled voice: "De win's comin'! De win 's comin' mighty quick!"