“I was broke then. Now I've got the stuff. And I know how I can turn a trick on this trip back that 'll be worth an easy five hundred to me. That 'll take us clear down to Niagara Falls, maybe.” “Oh, could we go there, Joe?” “Sure, anywhere you say.” “But, how 'll I know when to start?” “Well, let's see. I can't be sure of getting back to Chicago, and cleaning things up, and coming up to Saginaw inside of seven days. Call it eight; that 'll make it--to-day's Tuesday--next week Wednesday. What day does Spencer drive down to Ramsey?” “Thursdays.” “Then that's our day. You could get him to take you along, couldn't you?” “Yes.” “Then you give him the slip and catch the afternoon train to Saginaw.” “But how could I take my things? He'd be sure to see them.” “Leave 'em behind. I 'll buy you what you need. Have you got any money?” “Not very much?” He sat up and drew out a handful of bills. “Here--say I give you twenty-five. That 'll see you through, won't it?” “Oh, yes, Joe.” She was decidedly pretty now. Her weak face was alive with eagerness, her eyes were dancing. And McGlory, as he looked at her, seemed to feel something approaching a thrill. There they sat, hearing nothing, seeing nothing, until the brush parted and Dick stood over them. “Well, Mr. Man,” said he, “I hope you're passing a pleasant afternoon with your friend.” Estelle got to her feet first. “We thought maybe you'd spend a few minutes with us to-day,” continued Dick. “You see we can't stay very long.” “Who're you talking to?” growled the mate. “I'm a-looking right at you.” It was an awkward moment for McGlory. He felt that it was downright necessary to show his superiority, for it is only by such a show that women like Estelle are kept constant. On the other hand, even he understood the danger of openly defying his captain. But the seconds were flying. “You go back to your schooner, Dick Smiley. You ain't boss here.” “Well, by--” Dick checked himself, with a half bow toward Estelle. “I beg your pardon, my dear. Your friend kind o' surprised me.” McGlory flashed a suspicious glance at her. “None o' your jaw now, Smiley. You can do your talking when it's time to sail. You 'll have to shut up here.” “Maybe you 'll be good enough to tell me when you 'll be ready to start,” suggested Dick, with extravagant politeness. McGlory rumbled an unintelligible reply; and Dick turned again to Estelle. “Will you excuse him, my dear. You see he's got a previous engagement with me. But you couldn't hardly blame him for forgetting, with such a lady friend to talk to.” “Look here,” McGlory broke out; “you've said enough. You go back to your schooner where you belong!” “Thanks, I'm going. We're all going. You 'll come with us, my dear?” Estelle, who was plunged in confusion, said nothing, but fell in with him. And McGlory, fuming, had to follow.