proof until you slip a cog sometime and get a dose of discretion—that is, if you ever come to your senses again after you tumble."
"I know my business," asserted Hardy, somewhat hotly.
"They all do; I never knew one who wasn't thoroughly familiar with his business. Don't want to hear any more of this? All right. I'll shut up. But we're all fools in the same boat together."
Hardy had frowned, but his face cleared instantly. He didn't mind a little jollying.
"I have been a big one today," he granted. "I brought Commodore Hatton's son as far as Roanoke. Intended to leave him at Knott's Island, but, after that boat find and when Smith didn't turn up, the boy pestered me so I had to fly him further."
Then he told of the house-party at Seagulls' Nest.
"You're just a kid along with the rest of them," asserted the operator, "and you always will be. You'll never grow up till your dying day. Well, I reckon that's the way to die without making the acquaintance of trouble. I'm
