She turned her face away and grew pale. She flushed at his next words: "The biggest thing in the world to me is getting that steamer off Razee
and showing that infernal Marston and all his 'longcoast gang that I'm
no four-flusher. I've got it in for 'em!"
He patted the hands she clasped on her knees, and he did not notice that
she was locking her fingers so tightly that they were almost bloodless.
He rose and started for the door.
"I'll go and pacify Rowley to-night, and be ready for an early start."
"Boyd," she pleaded, "will you do me a little favor?"
"Most certainly, Polly."
"Wait till to-morrow morning for your business with Mr. Rowley."
"Why?" He looked at her with considerable surprise.
"Because--well, because you are a bit unstrung, and are tired, and you
and he might have words, and you might not use your cool judgment if he
should be short with you. You know you are a little at odds with all the
world just now!" She spoke nervously and smiled wistfully. "I would be
sorry to have you quarrel with Mr. Rowley because--well, father is a
partner, and has already had words with him. Please wait till morning.
You must not lose the schooner!"
"I'm too far down and out to dare to quarrel with Rowley, but I'll do as
you say, Polly. Good night."
"You're a good boy to obey a girl's whim. Good night."
The moment his foot was off the last step of the porch she hurried to
her room in the cottage and secured a little packet from her portfolio.
She heard the thud of his dory oars as she walked down the street. She
was glad to know that he was safely out of the way.
Rowley's dingy windows shed a dim blur upon the frosty night. It was
near time for him to close his store, and when she entered he was
turning out the loafers who had been cuddling close to his barrel stove.
After a few moments of waiting the girl was alone with him.
"No, I don't want to buy anything, Mr. Rowley. I need your help. I ask
you to help me to do a good deed."
He pulled his spectacles to the end of his nose and stared at her
doubtfully and with curiosity.
"If it's about the schooner, I'd rather do business with men-folks," he
said.
"This is business that only you and I can do, and it must be a secret
between us. Will you please glance at this bank-book?"