“Alden P. Ricks
“Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York
“Joey arrived bung up and bilge free. Had loaded and hauled into stream, waiting for him. Came out in launch, climbed Jacob's ladder and stood on rail, sizing up ship. Saw Doris and almost fell face down on deck. He says Doris is a dream, she says Joey is a dear. Take it from me, boss, it is all over but the wedding bells.
“M. CUPID MURPHY.”
Old Joe Gurney took Cappy Ricks' hand in both of his and shook it heartily.
“My worries are over, Alden,” he declared. “You have, indeed, been my friend in need.”
“My troubles and Joey's are just commencing, however,” Cappy retorted blithely. “However—'never trouble trouble until trouble troubles you' is my motto. Where's that hundred-and-six-foot schooner yacht of Joey's?”
“She's at her moorings in Greenpoint Basin. Why?”
“I want to borrow her for a cruise to San Francisco, via the Panama Canal. Joey and his bride can sail her back. May I have her, to do what I please with, Joe?”
“Alden, don't ask foolish questions. Take her and God bless you! Joey owns her, but I pay the bills; so her skipper takes orders from me.”