In the next boat two men passengers jumped in at the last moment. The officer in charge seemed not to see them. The crew said nothing.
"Must have friends at court," muttered Meade. "Though why anybody should choose the staying out all night, half frozen, in those boats I don't understand, do you? But look--there's the Major marshalling his battalions. Old ladies and young, pretty and otherwise--instinctively gallant, the Major," observed Meade.
"We'll remember your friends in New York, Major!" two of the younger ones chorussed.
"Be sure you do!" he retorted. "And pay your bet with a box of candy when you're back aboard in the morning. But take care you keep those rugs around your feet in the meantime." He waved them smilingly down the side of the ship, but he was not smiling when he had
