Curtis led the way through a dark yard down to a pier. Moored there lay a handsome white sloop, some forty-two feet in length—a boat of a good and seaworthy knockabout type.
“This is a sloop, all right,” Jack agreed, cordially. “Rather different from the lumbering fishing craft hereabouts.”
“Oh, hah, yum!” yawned Hal, at which Curtis shot a quick glance at him.
“Come on board,” invited Curtis, stepping down to the deck of the craft. “Let me show you what a comfortable cruising cabin I have.”
“Hi, oh, yow!” yawned Hal, again. “Jack, I think I shall enjoy my rest to-night.”
“Same case here,” agreed Benson, stifling a yawn that came as though in answer to Hal's.
“I won't keep you long, gentlemen, if I am boring you,” agreed their host, amiably. [pg 176] “Now, I'll go below first and light up. So! Now, come down and take a look. Do you find many yacht cabins more comfortable than this one?”
It was, indeed, a cozy place. Up forward stood a miniature sideboard, complete in every respect with glass and silver. In the center of the cabin was a folding table. There were locker seats and inviting looking cushions. The trim was largely of mahogany. On either side was a broad, comfortable-looking berth.
“Just get into that berth and try it, Mr. Hastings,” urged the bearded one.
“I—I'm afraid to,” confessed Hal, stifling another yawn.