"You're doing very well," said the captain, who had no intention
of attending any more Dorcases, "very well indeed; I am proud of you."
"It isn't a man's work," objected the boatswain. "Besides, if anything
happens you'll blame me for it."
"Nothing can happen," declared the captain confidently. "We shall make a
start in about four days now. You're the only man I can trust with such
a difficult job, Tucker, and I shan't forget you,"
"Very good," said the other dejectedly. "I obey orders, then."
The next day passed quietly, the members of the household making a great
fuss of Tucker, and thereby filling him with forebodings of the worst
possible nature. On the day after, when the captain, having business at
a neighbouring town, left him in sole charge, his uneasiness could not
be concealed.
"I'm going for a walk," said Chrissie, as he sat by himself, working out
dangerous moves and the best means of checking them; "would you care to
come with me, Tucker?"
"I wish you wouldn't put it that way, miss," said the boatswain, as he
reached for his hat.
"I want exercise," said Chrissie; "I've been cooped up long enough."
She set off at a good pace up the High Street, attended by her faithful
follower, and passing through the small suburbs, struck out into the
country beyond.
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