At a second warning call from the ear-splitting siren Mr. Dalken came hurrying from the Captains room. His face expressed impatience as he joined his friends. They paused in their noisy conversation to hear what he wished to say.
Captain Blake tells me that the pilot he has on board to take us out as far as Sandy Hook declares he will leave this boat unless he can get started at once. He avers that he is losing the tide, as well as other jobs he signed up for. If he leaves us that means we will have to delay our start until to-morrow, explained Mr. Dalken.
Oh, no, no! sounded from several young throats, as their owners crowded about Mr. Dalken to give good reasons why they should start at once.
But we just got here! cried John in a disappointed tone.
Thats your loss you ought to collect damages from the Twentieth Century Limited, retorted Eleanor.
Oh, if only John and Anne would remain on board with us and go as far as Jacksonville, where we expect to touch to pick up Nollas father! exclaimed Polly, eagerly.
Say, John, thats a capital idea! Why not do it? asked Mr. Dalken, quickly.
What of my baggage at the Grand Central and the rooms we wired to hold for us from today? queried John.
Ill see to the trunk, John, and one of the others will cancel the reservation at the hotel, offered Kenneth Evans.
During the eager talk occasioned by Pollys suggestion, Tom Latimer seemed very thoughtful. When it was finally decided that John and his wife would remain as Mr. Dalkens guests as far as Florida, Tom deliberately spoke up! Ill reconsider my refusal to be one of your party as far as Jacksonville, Mr. Dalken. John and I have so many important business matters to discuss at once, that this short voyage will give us the opportunity we need.
Polly looked amazed, and a general smile rippled the faces of all the others present. They knew only too well what Toms important business matters consisted of.
Thats too bad of you, Tom, exclaimed Polly, daringly. I had hoped to have a few words with my brother myself; now that all your time will be engaged in business affairs I shall have to attach my company to another champion until we reach Florida.
Tom sulked at these words and a number of the friends in the group laughed outright. But the sudden shrill blast overhead summarily disposed of such trifles as a lovers scene. There! declared Mr. Dalken. Thats the last call hell give us, he said. If we dont obey his orders hell leave at once.
This rude manner of sending his guests away seemed to hurt Mr. Dalkens gentle heart, but his friends laughed at his concern.
Midst shouts of goodbys and many advices to the would-be mariners, the visiting party hurried from the yacht, leaving Tom and John and Anne on deck with those remaining for the cruise.
Just as the friends on shore hoped to see the sailor cast off the rope which had been looped about the heavy post on the wharf, a frenzied cry from a young man seen to be racing like mad down the walk to the dock, drew all attention that way. Even the Captain watched the sprinter to see what might be wrong at the last minute.
It turned out to be Jim Latimer laden with boxes of bon bons and flowers. He had sent Ken on ahead to tell the girls he was hunting in the locality for proper little memos of his faithful love for them all, but Kenneth had forgotten to mention it.
Heigh, there! shouted Jim, furiously, to the man he saw grinning from the pilot house, dont you start until I get on with these presents!
Jims father tried to prevent his son from springing on board the yacht where all hands were hastening to cast off, but Jim had not become an expert football player on Yales team for nothing.
In a few giant leaps he was on board and in a few more strides he joined the young people. Naturally the young contingent congratulated him upon arriving just in time, and the elders laughed tolerantly.
Think I was going to chase all over the West Side for decent candies and flowers and then get left at the last moment? demanded Jim, mopping his perspiring face with his handkerchief.
Youre just in time to say goodby and get off again, hinted his brother Tom, who felt that his temperamental younger brother might interrupt his planned tête-à-têtes with Polly that evening.
Leave nothing! retorted Jim. Ill
get off where you do. His hearers laughed.
Im sailing with them as far as Florida, remarked Tom, coolly.
Yeh! Then so am I! was all Jim said, as he turned away to look for Mr. Dalken.
A last and final shriek from the whistle sounded, and at the same time a voice bawled out orders. The Captain was seen watching the group of young friends, but his face looked like a black thunder-cloud. It was evident to all that not only the Captain, but the owner of the yacht, as well, were in no good humor at the behavior of the pilot. But the pilot cared nothing for friendship or lovers, and he did care for his capacity to earn dollars.
Paul shouted to his companions to run for the gang-plank, when he saw two sailors stand ready to cast off. Before Paul could warn his friends of the need of haste, a loud voice bawled: Stand ready to cast off lines! Then quickly followed the command: Cast off!