"Now," I began, "you're a nice boy! What does it all mean?"
"It means that I couldn't stay on the Vancouver if you weren't there, Mr. Ticehurst. I made up my mind to that the moment I heard you were leaving. I will go on your next ship; but you know, if you don't mind my saying it, I couldn't stand your brother; I would rather be struck by you than called a cub by him. A 'cub,' indeed—I am as big as he is, and bigger!"
So he was, and a fine handsome lad into the bargain, with curly brown hair, though his features were a little too feminine for his size and strength.
"Harmer," I said drily "I think you have done it now very completely. This is my next ship, and I am a passenger in her."
He didn't seem to mind; in fact, he took it so coolly that I began to think he knew.
"That doesn't matter, Mr. Ticehurst," he said cheerfully; "I will come with you."
I stared.
"The devil you will! Do you know where I am going, what I am going to do?—or have you any plans of your own cut and dried for me?"
"I don't see that it matters, Mr. Ticehurst," he answered, with a coolness I admired; "I have more than enough to pay my fare, and if you go to British Columbia I dare say I can get something to do there."
"Ah? I see," I replied; "you are tired of the sea, and would like to marry and settle down, eh?"