Part 74

“Haven't I told you that I shall be general manager of this line to-morrow, or next day, at the latest?”

“When you're general manager come around and give off your orders, sir.”

“I'll do it. I'll come aboard in New York--”

“I'm ordered to Philadelphia,” prompted Captain Wass. “That's where you'll find me.”

“Philadelphia, then! I'll come aboard and fire you.”

“Do just as you feel like doing.”

“You refuse to take along this young man?”

“This ain't a passenger-boat. I don't know you. Show orders from owners--otherwise nothing doing.”

Mate Mayo had come out of his cabin, near at hand. With a young man's quicker perception of possibilities and contingencies he realized that his skipper might be letting an old man's obstinacy block common sense.

The first mate had an eye for men and their manners. He had been listening to Mr. Fogg. That gentleman certainly seemed to know what he was talking about. And young Mate Mayo, having a nose for news as well as an eye for men, understood that the coast transportation business was in a touchy state generally. He gave Mr. Fogg further inspection and decided that a little skilful compromising was advisable.

“Captain Wass, will you step aside with me a moment?” asked the mate.

“What for?”

“I want to have a word with you.”

“Have it right here,” said the captain, tartly. “I never have any business that's got to be whispered behind corners.” He scowled when his mate gave him a wink, both suggestive and imploring. “Spit it out!”

“The law doesn't allow us to take passengers, as you suggest. And naturally you don't like to act without orders from owners.” He looked at Mr. Fogg as he spoke, plainly offering apology to that gentleman. “But we need a second steward and--”

“We don't!” Captain Wass was blunt and tactless.

“I beg pardon--we really do. And we can sign this young man in a--a sort of nominal way, and then when we get to Philadelphia we'll probably find the matter all straightened out.”

“What's your name?” asked Mr. Fogg.

“Boyd Mayo, sir. First mate.”

“Mr. Mayo, you're a young man with a lot of common sense,” declared Fogg.

To himself, staring at the young man, he said: “I'm going to play this game out with two-spots, and here's one ready for the draw!”

“I'll see you in Philadelphia, Mr. Mayo,” he continued, aloud. “I am exactly what I say I am. Captain Wass, you've got something coming to you. Mr. Mayo, you've got something coming to you, also--and it's good!” His assertiveness was compelling, and even the captain displayed symptoms of being impressed. “It isn't at all necessary that my agent make this trip with you, Captain Wass. Perhaps I had no distinct right to bring him here. But I am a hustling sort of a business man and I want to get at matters in short order. However, I ask no favors. Come on, Boyne!”

“We'll sign him on as steward to cover the law,” proffered the captain, as terse in consent as he was in refusal.

“Very well,” agreed Fogg. “You've got an able first mate, sir.” He flipped his watch out. “I've got a train to make, gentlemen. Good day!”

He took Boyne by the arm and led him to the ladder from the bridge. “Son,” said he, “you dig into that Mayo chap till you know him up and down and through and through. I'm going to use him. And you keep your mouth shut about yourself.” He backed down the ladder, feeling his way cautiously with his fat legs, trotted to the waiting cab, and was whirled away.

At high noon the next day Fletcher Fogg marched into the general offices of the Vose line in company with ten solid-looking citizens. Imperturbable and smiling, he allowed President Vose to shriek anathema and to wave the certified copy of the record of the annual meeting under the snub Fogg nose.

“What you say doesn't change the situation in the least,” affirmed Mr. Fogg. “You'll find the actual records of the meeting deposited in the usual place in the state of your incorporation. If you think these new directors are not lawfully and duly elected, you can apply to the courts.”

“You confounded thief, it's likely to take a year to get a decision. This is damnable. It's piracy. You know what courts are!”