"Yes, he said—aw, it doesn't matter what he said. It was something stupid."
"What was it?"
"Aw——"
"Tell me."
"Aw, he only said as he'd been all over the world, but hadn't met a gel to equal me. He said all the silks and satins in the world would never do me proper. He said as he'd be back in a day or two. Do you reckon he'll come?"
It was Power who was put out of countenance. He said after a moment—"D'you want him to come?"
"I won't be worried if he do. He knows how to talk a gel round."
The moon began to rise. As it left the horizon it was as large as a cartwheel and as rich as a copper platter. Its light began to find a way into many places. The waters of the Pool grew very fair. But nothing in that prospect was fair as the girl at Power's side.
Who knows what thoughts just then came knocking at the doors of his brain? Truth to tell he fell to frowning and nursing his lower lip. The girl was impatient before he came out of his brown study.
"I have to get back," he said. "The moon is up. I am taking next watch."