“Not by a jugful! Why, I wouldn’t be surprised if we could shake this mooring by day after to-morrow! Yes, Stevens is a gem!�
At this point the little captain himself strode back and joined us, just as I was remarking:
“The hobby again, Mr. Stroth,� with a nod toward the camera.
“Why, yes, indeed,� he replied. “I thought it would be pretty good to have a half dozen or so snaps at the old Ruby Light in the hospital. I’m going to get some more to-morrow, just as the work’s beginning. We’ll develop them together, if you like.�
“Nothing I’d like better!� I replied.
At the time I simply couldn’t make head or tail to the look of displeasure, coupled to what was almost fear, that Captain Stevens shot at me. But he didn’t offer a word in explanation as we filed on down the steps to supper.
Oddly enough, it was not until the following night that I gave second thought to that account I had read of our accident in the paper the coast guard had dropped.
I don’t believe I should have reverted to it seriously, even then, if something of a kindred nature hadn’t happened.[Pg 52]
Stroth, as he had promised, had spent the day, joyous as a boy, at his picture taking; but along about four o’clock he had filled his entire reel. And it was just at this time that Stevens was about to dispatch a couple of the crew in the dory launch.
It seems there was a broken turnbuckle or two to be replaced, and there was no risk in thus sending the fellows ashore to a chandler’s; particularly as they would return after dusk.