But I didn’t.
Little by little the crowd thinned. One or two belated ones trotted shoreward; then no more.
I could have been sure that the man and girl hadn’t passed me; and I found myself in a predicament.
I waited a few more minutes, but without another individual setting foot upon the plank. Plainly any search I might further make must be done aboard the vessel itself.[Pg 41]
But if I did that I would have to quit the gangway, and that, naturally, I was not pleased to do. It was the strategic point.
It was not an overbrilliant plan, or an extremely reliable one, that I finally hit upon; but it was the best I could do under the circumstances.
I caught sight of a shaggy-browed deck hand who had stepped from the freight hold and stood, lounging idly, waiting for the rest of the crew to begin unloading.
I had replenished my cigar supply at Boston; so I approached the man diplomatically.
“My friend,” said I, “I’m almost positive that some people I am very anxious to see took this steamer; but I haven’t been able to find them. Would you mind watching out for them while I step aboard? I certainly don’t want to miss them.”
He accepted the proffered smoke greedily enough; but scowled at me from under his cap visor as he grunted: