" Vengeance for what? Had the half-breed
dared to make the same proposal to the rich and highly placed Isobel
Baring that he did not scruple to put before the needy governess?
Surely that was impossible. There were limits even to his audacity--
"Well, how is my chief hydrographer progressing?"
Courtenay's cheery voice banished the unwelcome specter of Ventana.
Elsie started.
"I do believe you were day-dreaming," said the captain with a surprised
smile. "A penny for your thoughts?"
"I don't think you can pay me," she retorted, hoping to cover her
confusion.
"Won't you accept Chilean currency?"
"Not on the high seas."
"But you are on dry land. Please make a dot on your map at 51 degrees
14 minutes 9 seconds South, and 74 degrees 59 minutes 3 seconds West.
That is the present position of the ship. Are you listening, Boyle?
According to the chart, the ship is high and dry, four miles inland."
"Huh!" grunted Boyle. "Reminds me of a skipper I once sailed with,
bound from Rotterdam to Hull in ballast. There was a Scotch mist best
part of the trip, an' the old man loaded with schnapps to keep out the
damp.
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