Captain Ogilvy, observing this, and fearing some display of feeling that would be recognized by the workmen, who were becoming surprised at the length of the interview, placed himself between Minnie and her lover.
"No, no, Ruby," said he, solemnly. "I'm sorry for ye, lad, but it won't do. Patience is a virtue, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune."
"My mother?" said Ruby, wishing to prolong the interview.
"Is well," said the captain. "Now, goodbye, lad, and be off."
"Goodbye, Minnie," cried Ruby, stepping forward suddenly and seizing the girl's hand; then, wheeling quickly round, he sprang over the rocks, and returned to his post.
"Ha! it's time," cried the smith. "I thought you would never be done makin' love to that there girl. Come, blaze away!"
Ruby felt so nettled by the necessity that was laid upon him of taking no notice of Minnie, that he seized the handle of the bellows passionately, and at the first puff blew nearly all the fire away.
"Hallo! messmate," cried the smith, clearing the dust from his eyes; "what on airth ails ye? You've blowed the whole consarn out!"
Ruby made no reply, but, scraping together the embers, heaped them up and blew more gently.
In a short time the visitors re-entered their boat, and rowed out of the creek in which it had been lying.