It was cheap, and I regretted it, even before I caught her look; but, come to think of it, the look compensated.
“Then off to bed with you, honey!� cried her father.
“Bed? Now? Why, we haven’t even had supper.�
“Well, I think it would be better, don’t you? I’ll send in Saki to you with your meal, and you can tumble right in. You must remember, dear, we’ve been through some happenings since——â€�
She broke into the argument with a happy laugh. Then she kissed him, gave me a nod, and left us.
I watched her from sight, then turned to Stroth’s chuckle, as he queried:
“A pretty good showing for one day, isn’t it?� He indicated the decks with a sweep of his right hand. Over his left shoulder was slung a camera.
“I never would have believed it possible in the time,� I replied, in genuine admiration. Then I nodded forward to where Stevens was superintending the construction of the scissorlike arrangement of spars with which he purposed to restep the sticks. “A mighty good man that, Mr. Stroth,� I added.
“I’m beginning to think so,� was the serious reply.
“It won’t be as long a job as you first thought, will it?� I inquired.