Boyle was getting the scared Chileans to work.
Then Courtenay went to his own cabin, in which, in the haste of his
exit, he had imprisoned Joey. The dog received him with delight, for
Joey knew a real gale from a sham one, as well as any man before the
mast. Courtenay patted his head, opened a drawer in the writing-table,
and drew forth two photographs, which he kissed. He replaced them,
locked the drawer, and went out, letting the dog come with him. That
was his farewell to his mother and sister; it was the first and last
sign of sentiment he exhibited during that night of great endurance.
When he returned from the saloon, he found the chief officer examining
the chart.
"Do you think we have any chance of making Concepcion Strait?" he
asked, pointing to the doubtfully marked channel which separates
Hanover and Duke of York Islands.
"If we set the mains'le we might bear up a bit."
"Try it."
"Huh," said Mr. Boyle, and he was off again into the spindrift.
Be it understood that the sails carried by a big vessel like the
_Kansas_ are of little practical value save under certain conditions of
wind and sea, when they are rigged to steady her, and thus give help to
helm and propeller.
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