"What are you doing here?"
"I was third mate on the _Thomas Morgan_," said Brander.
"Cap'n Marks?" Mr. Ham asked.
"Yes."
"We've no use for any o' Marks's mates aboard the _Sally_."
Brander smiled. "I wasn't thinking of shipping as mate. Can you use a
hand?"
"Where's the _Thomas Morgan_?"
"On th' Solander Grounds, likely."
"How come you're not with her?"
"I left them, hereabouts."
"Left them?"
"Yes."
"They've not the name of letting men go."
"They had no choice. They were--otherwise engaged when I took my leave."
"That's a slovenly ship," said Mr. Ham.
"One reason why I'm not on her now."
The mate frowned. "I'm not saying it's not in your favor that you got
away from them.... And we do need men." He added hastily: "Men; not
officers."
"That suits me."
Mr. Ham looked around. Faith stood a little at one side, listening
quietly. The _Sally_ rocked on the swells outside.... "Well, come
aboard," said the mate. "See what the Old Man says."
Brander nodded. "Thanks, sir," he said. He adopted, easily and without
abasement, the attitude of a fo'mast hand toward the officer, and went
ahead of the mate and Faith to stow his bundle in the boat. The other
men waiting there questioned him; but they all fell silent as Mr. Ham
and Faith came to where the boat waited.
Tichel had already taken the water casks out to the whaler. The men took
the whaleboat and dragged it down to the water. When it was half afloat,
Faith and the mate got in. The men shoved off, wading till the water was
deep enough for them to clamber aboard and snatch their oars and push
out through the rollers.... They worked desperately for a little, till
they were clear of the turbulent waters of the beach; then settled to
their work....
Brander sat amidships, his bundle at his feet, lending a hand now and
then on the oar of the man who faced him. Once he looked toward Faith;
she met his eyes.... Neither spoke, neither smiled.... The island was
receding behind them; Brander turned to watch it. They drew alongside
the _Sally_.
Dan'l Tobey was at the rail to receive them. The mate stood in the
tossing boat and lifted Faith easily to Dan'l at the rail; he swung her
aboard. Mr. Ham followed; then Brander; then the men. The mate saw to
the unloading of the boat, saw it safely stowed. Then turned to Brander,
"Come and see the Old Man," he said.