To Newmark, sitting at his desk, reported Captain Floyd of the steam barge NORTH STAR.
“All loaded by noon, sir,” he said.
Newmark looked up in surprise.
“Well, why do you tell me?” he inquired.
“I want your orders.”
“My orders? Why?”
“This is a bad time of year,” explained Captain Floyd, “and the storm signal's up. All the signs are right for a blow.”
Newmark whirled in his chair.
“A blow!” he cried. “What of it? You don't come in every time it blows, do you?”
“You don't know the lakes, sir, at this time of year,” insisted Captain Floyd.