Very much confused at being the guest of so great a man, Pearl found it hard to answer questions intelligently.
When at last the ordeal was over, the Captain led her to the steamer’s side.
“Look down there,” he said, smiling.
“A new dory, all green and red!” said Pearl.
“And a halibut,” said the Captain. “You lost a halibut, didn’t you say?”
“Why yes, I——”
“The dory and fish are yours,” he said gruffly. “Present from passengers and crew. Little token of—of—Oh, hang it, girl! Climb down and show us you can row her.”
Pearl went down a rope ladder like a monkey. A moment later, waving a joyous, tearful farewell to her new friends, she turned the shining dory’s prow toward home and rowed away.
CHAPTER VI
OFF FOR FURTHER ADVENTURE
Pearl returned home that evening to find a door to new and strange adventure standing wide open before her.