Page:The ebb-tide - a trio and quartette (IA ebb00tidetrioquartstevrich).pdf/73

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE YELLOW FLAG
63

exclaimed Davis. 'Well, we go to sea short-handed, we can't help that. You have a lame watch of it, Mr. Hay.'

'I don't see how we are to get along,' said Herrick.

'Got to,' said the captain. 'No more Tahiti for me.'

Both turned instinctively and looked astern. The fair island was unfolding mountain-top on mountain-top; Eimeo, on the port board, lifted her splintered pinnacles; and still the schooner raced to the open sea.

'Think!' cried the captain with a gesture, 'yesterday morning I danced for my breakfast like a poodle dog.'