"Maybe, but you ain't fooling me very much, young fellow. I don't say
but what you like her all right, but you're after something else, too."
"A man has to make his way in the world as best he can."
"That plan seems to be pretty fashionable among you financing fellows
nowadays. But I'm a pretty good judge of men and you can't fool me, I
say. Now how did you fool the girl?"
It was blunt and insulting query, but Bradish did not have the courage
to resent it; he had too much need of placating this despot. The lover
hesitated and glanced apprehensively at the man at the wheel.
"Don't mind that nigger!" yelped Captain Downs, "How did you ever get
nigh enough to that girl to horn-swoggle her into this foolishness?"
"We met at dances. We were attracted to each other," explained Bradish,
meekly.
"Huh! Yes, they tell me that girls are crazy over hoof-shaking these
days, and I suppose it's easy to go on from there into a general state
of plumb lunacy," commented Old Mull, with disgust. "You show you ain't
really in love with her, young man. You'd never allow her to cut up this
caper if you were!"
He stuck an unlighted cigar in his mouth and continued to patrol his
quarter-deck, muttering.
Bradish lighted a cigarette, tossed it away after two puffs, and leaned
against the house, studying his fingertips, scowling and sullen.
Mayo had heard all the conversation, but his interest in the identity of
these persons was limited; New York was full of rich men, and there were
many silly daughters.
"Look here," suggested the captain, unamiably, "whatever is done later,
there's something to be done now. It's cruelty to animals to keep that
girl shut up in that stateroom any longer."
"She didn't want to come out and show herself till I had had a talk
with you, sir. I have spoken to her through the door a few times." He
straightened himself and assumed dignity. "Captain Downs, I call it
to your attention--I want you to remember that I have observed all the
proprieties since I have been on board."
Captain Downs snorted. "Proprieties--poosh! You have got her into a
nice scrape! And she's down there locked in like a cat, and probably
starving!"
"She doesn't care to eat. I think she isn't feeling very well."
"I shouldn't think she would! Go bring her up here, where she can get
some fresh air. I'll talk to her."