Chris had the uncomfortable feeling that she expected him to refuse, and because he made it a rule never to do what he knew was expected of him he agreed. He pulled the little skiff about and made for the anchored boat.
There was a light on her mast and a lantern tied to her bow, but apparently she was deserted.
Mrs. Heriot made a cup of her hands and called a long "Coo-ee."
"There's nobody on board," she said. "Go closer to her, Chris."
When they were near enough she stretched out her hand and caught at a rope hanging loosely at the side of the ship.
71 "It's a ladder!" she said excitedly. "Oh, we must go on board. It's so romantic!"
"It's a fishing smack—it will be horribly dirty probably," Chris objected.
She was standing up, holding to its side.
"Of course it won't be." She looked around at him. "I believe you don't want to come," she said laughing.
Chris drew in the sculls without another word and stood up.