"
"You'd choose," said the girl scornfully; "dear me, what a pity you
didn't tell me before."
"He's a public-house loafer," said the mate, meeting her eye angrily,
"and about as bad as they make 'em; but I s'pose you'll have your own
way."
"He won't frighten me," said the girl. "I'm quite capable of taking care
of myself, thank you. Good evening."
The mate stepped ashore with a small bundle, leaving the remainder of
his possessions to go back to London with the barge. The girl watched
his well-knit figure as it strode up the quay until it was out of sight,
and then, inwardly piqued because he had not turned round for a parting
glance, gave a little sigh, and went below to tea.
The docile and respectful behaviour of the new-comer was a pleasant
change to the autocrat of the Osprey, and cargoes were worked out and in
without an unpleasant word. They laid at the quay for two days, the new
mate, whose home was at Ipswich, sleeping ashore, and on the morning of
the third he turned up punctually at six o'clock, and they started on
their return voyage.
"Well, you do know how to handle a craft," said Lee admiringly, as they
passed down the river. "The old boat seems to know it's got a pretty
young lady in charge."
"Don't talk rubbish," said the girl austerely.
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