An hour and three quarters saw the side done. The craft was swung around with its new brown face toward the channel and under Woodruff’s urging the remaining half began its transformation. The leader produced two strips of canvas upon which was lettered Walrus; these he tacked over the original name.
Walrus“Now, boys,” encouraged Woodruff, “slap ’er on lively. Can’t say as I ever seen slicker painters. A brand-new boat we’ve got, an’ ’fore morning she’ll be carrying full cargo.”
While the painters were finishing up, a Seattle-bound steamer passed by and far out in the channel a speedy little cruiser hurried northward in a V of spray. On the island side nothing occurred to break the monotony of a summer afternoon.
“A word with you, mates,” spoke up Woodruff, as the men deposited their pa
