Marsh knew that he had already wasted too much time in Kalvik, for he was needed at other points far to the southward; but he could not bear to leave this fight to other hands. Moreover, he was anxiously awaiting the arrival of The Grande Dame, with Mildred and her father. One square of the calendar over his desk was marked in red, and the sight of it gave him fresh determination.
On the third day after Boyd's deliverance, Constantine sought him out, in company with several of the native fishermen, translating their demand to be paid for the fish they had caught.
"Can't they wait until the end of the week?" Emerson inquired.
"No! They got no money—they got no grub. They say little baby is hongry, and they like money now. So soon they buy grub, they work some more."
"Very well. Here's an order on the book-keeper."
Boyd tore a leaf from his note-book and wrote a few words on it, telling the men to present it at the office. As Constantine was about to leave, he called to him:
"Wait! I want to talk with you."
The breed halted.
"How long have you known Mr. Marsh?"
"Me know him long time."