He requested that they take him aboard.
Johnny told him that he was not sure that coming aboard the steamer would serve his purpose. The man insisted; in fact he appeared to act as though he owned the North Star. So aboard he came.
“What boat is this?” he demanded.
“The North Star,” said Johnny quietly.
“When did we charter her?”
“When did who charter her?”
“The Fruit Company, of course.” The man’s tone was overbearing.
“You didn’t.” Johnny’s tone was still quiet. “I did.”
The man sniffed the air. “Bananas!” he said. “I am President of the Fruit Company, and in that capacity I demand to know what is the business of this steamer in these waters.”
Johnny’s heart suddenly sprang up into his throat. He tried to speak and could not. His head whirled. The President of the great corporation here on board his ship! The very man who had the power to make or break not alone him, but Kennedy and Madge as well. The thing seemed impossible!