Keep a weather
eye on what goes on, won't you?"
"I will. You can depend on me."
"I do. And say! for goodness' sakes put me out of my misery regardin'
that rock or lighthouse on 'Bije's chart, soon's ever you settle which
it is."
"Certainly! And, remember, don't worry. It may be a lighthouse, or
nothing at all. At all events, I'll report very soon."
CHAPTER XVI
But, in spite of his promise, Sylvester did not report during the
following week or the next. Meanwhile, his client tried his best to
keep the new mystery from troubling his thoughts, and succeeded only
partially. The captain's days and evenings were quiet and monotonous. He
borrowed a book or two from Mrs. Hepton's meager library, read, walked
a good deal, generally along the water front, and wrote daily letters to
Miss Baker. He and Pearson were together for at least a portion of each
day. The author, fighting down his dejection and discouragement, set
himself resolutely to work once more on the novel, and his nautical
adviser was called in for frequent consultation. The story, however,
progressed but slowly. There was something lacking. Each knew what that
something was, but neither named it.
One evening Pearson entered the room tenanted by his friend to find the
latter seated beside the table, his shoes partially unlaced, and a pair
of big slippers ready for putting on.
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