"Pick him up!" he repeated. "Why I should think so, Jackson. Pick him' up tenderly—touch him with care. Tell Captain Simmons I'll be up on deck myself as soon as I've finished this piece of bacon."
With a grin and a salute, the sailor departed, and turning back to the table, Tony gazed triumphantly at Guy and Molly.
"Well, my children," he observed; "what did uncle tell you?"
Molly pushed back her plate. "It was a put-up job, Tony," she said, "you knew he was there."
"I didn't," retorted Tony, "on my honour. There wasn't a boat of any kind in sight when I was on the bridge. I feel it's a sign that Providence approves of us."
Molly looked at him and saw that he was speaking the truth.
"Well, we've started," she said with a little triumphant laugh. "Can I come up with you?"
Tony shook his head. "I think you had better lie low for the present," he answered. "You're the Queen of Trumps in this game, Molly, and we don't want to play you too soon."
Molly looked a trifle disappointed, but she raised no objection. "All right," she said obediently. "I'll save myself up for the King."
Tony rose from the table. "I'll bring Jimmy down as soon as he's on board," he said. "You had better get out the whisky and soda. He's sure to be hungry."