"
By this time the tug had slowed down a trifle and a boat put out from
her. While it came bobbing over the water, Malone bawled his men
together and briefly explained his transfer of authority.
"Be back jest as soon as Parker's all right," he said as he climbed from
dock to dancing boat below. "And, by the way, Mr. Madden, you will bunk
in my cabin."
That "Mister Madden" from the mate was the great seal of authority. The
men looked at him with new eyes.
Somehow, Malone's confidence pleased Madden. That uncouth, bullet-headed
officer had not spent his whole life on the high seas, belaboring all
classes of men into serviceableness, without being able to judge the
genus homo pretty shrewdly.
The navvies accepted the new officer in stolid submission, but Hogan
clapped his hands. "Hey, a spache fr-rom th' new boss!" he grinned.
Leonard laughed. "My speech is to get back to work, and I'll do the
same," said the boy, returning to his bucket.
This appealed to the cockneys, who gave a dull English cheer, and then
everybody settled back to their tasks once more.
"What's the use in your painting, Madden?" asked Caradoc, "You don't
have to."
Leonard was amused, "They tell me a chap whose work is no bigger than
his contract, never gets a contract for bigger work.
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