"It's not so bad," admitted Blake. He glanced at McGraw, who had paused in his ox-like ruminating.
Griffith addressed the general foreman. "Mr. Blake is a bit off his feed. A friend that came with us will occupy my room in Mr. Ashton's quarters. I'd like a room in the bunkhouse for Mr. Blake and myself, with a good stove and a window that'll let in lots of fresh air."
"C'n have mine," grunted McGraw. "Extra bunk in yardmaster's room,"
"It'll be a favor," said Griffith. "You might get it ready, if you will. Mr. Blake must have clean air when he goes inside. He and I will take our time going back. There are two or three things I want another look at."
McGraw at once started shoreward, without making any verbal response, yet betraying under his dull manner his eagerness to oblige the Consulting Engineer. When he had gone well beyond earshot, Griffith turned upon Blake with a quizzical look.
"So!" he croaked. "It's a certainty."
"Knew that soon's I got the first look," said Blake.
Griffith's forehead creased with an anxious frown. "You promise not to mix it with him."
"Don't fash yourself," reassured Blake. "I've waited too long for this, to go off at half-cock now."
"That's talking! You'll wait till you're sure you can settle him—the skunk! Come on, now. We'll start inshore before you get chilled."