“And suppose it don’t clear?” said Fraser.
“Then I’ll pick you up at Greenwich in the morning,” said Flower.
“And suppose they’re still aboard?” said Fraser.
“I won’t suppose any such thing,” said the other, hotly; “if you can’t get rid of two women between now and three in the morning, you’re not much of a mate. If they catch me I’m ruined, and you’ll be responsible for it.”
The mate, staring at him blankly, opened his mouth to reply, but being utterly unable to think of anything adequate to the occasion, took up his glass instead, and, drinking off the contents, turned to the door. He stood for a moment at the threshold gazing at Flower as though he had just discovered points about him which had hitherto escaped his notice, and then made his way back to the wharf.
“They’re still down below, sir,” said Joe, softly, as he stepped aboard, “and making as free and as comfortable as though they’re going to stay a month.”
Fraser shrugged his shoulders and went below. The appearance of the ladies amply confirmed Joe’s remark.
“Never can find one when you want him, can you?” said the elder lady, in playful allusion to the police.
“Well, I altered my mind,” said Fraser, amiably, “I don’t like treating ladies roughly, but if the cap’n comes on board and finds you here it’ll be bad for me, that’s all.”
“What time do you expect him?” enquired Miss Tipping.