The cook took the butler's side in the debate, and
the pair yielded only when Captain Elisha again dived into his pocket.
"But I warn you, all hands," he observed, "that this is the last time.
My right fist's got a cramp in it this minute, and you couldn't open it
again with a cold chisel."
At last, however, everything was as it should be, and he sat down in the
library to await the coming of the young people. The gold chain in its
handsome leather case, the latter enclosed in the jeweler's box, was
carefully laid beside Caroline's place at the table. The dinner was
ready, the cake, candles and all--the captain had insisted upon twenty
candles--was ready, also. There was nothing to do but wait--and he
waited.
Six-thirty was the usual dinner hour. It passed. Seven o'clock struck,
then eight, and still Captain Elisha sat alone in the library. The cook
sent word that the dinner was ruined. Edwards respectfully asked, "What
shall I do, sir?" twice, the second time being sent flying with an order
to "Go for'ard and keep your hatches closed!" The nautical phraseology
was lost upon the butler, but the tone and manner of delivery were quite
understandable.
Several times the captain rose from his chair to telephone the Dunn
house and ask the reason for delay.
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