“Let them go, father,” said Waddie.
He did let them go, and gave them an order on his agent for their wages.
“Will the boat make her trip this afternoon?” asked the captain, who did not seem to be pleased with the result of the interview.
“That’s my affair,” replied the colonel.
“We are going on board for our things. We have steam up, and, if she is not going, my brother will have the fires raked down.”
“He needn’t trouble himself. You have an order for your money. Good afternoon.”
The two men took this hint and left.
“By the great horn spoon!” shouted Waddie, springing to his feet.
“What’s to be done?” queried the colonel, glancing at me.
“Wolf, you are the captain of the Ucayga from this moment!” roared Waddie, slapping me furiously on the back. “This is my last act as president of the steamboat company! Do you approve it, father?”