ladies sighed anxiously, and, going as far aft as possible, gazed
eagerly at the harbour as it opened out slowly before them.

"I shall go back by train," said Mrs. Bunnett "It's a shame, having my
holiday spoilt like this."

"It's one o' them things what can't be helped," said her husband
piously.

"You'd had better give me a little money," continued his wife, "I shall
get lodgings in the town for a day or two, till I see how things are
going."

"It 'ud be better for you to get straight back home," said the skipper.

"Nonsense," said his wife, sharply. "Suppose you take it yourself,
I should have to be here to see you were looked after. I'm sure Mrs.
Fillson isn't going home."

Mrs. Fillson, holding out her hand to Mr. Fillson, said she was sure she
wasn't.

"It'd be a load of our minds if you did go," said the mate speaking for
both.

"Well, we're not going for a day or two at any rate," said Mrs. Bunnett,
glancing almost amiably at Mrs. Fillson.

In face of this declaration, and in view of the the persistent demands
of the ladies, both men, with a very ill grace furnished them with some
money.

"Don't say a word about it ashore mind," said the mate, avoiding his
chief's indignant gaze.

"But you must have a doctor," said Mrs. Bunnett.

"I know of a doctor here," said the mate; "that's all arranged for."

He moved away for a little private talk with the skipper, but that
gentleman was not in a conversational mood, and a sombre silence fell
upon all until they were snugly berthed at Summercove, and the ladies,
preceded by their luggage on a trolly, went off to look for lodgings.
They sent down an hour later to say that they had found them, and that
they were very clean and comfortable, but a little more than they
had intended to give. They implored their husbands not to run any
unnecessary risks, and sent some disinfectant soap for them to wash
with.

For three days they kept their lodgings and became fast friends, going,
despite their anxiety, for various trips in the neighbourhood. Twice
a day at least they sent down beef-tea and other delicacies for the
invalid, which never got farther than the cabin, communication being
kept up by a small boy who had strict injunctions not to go aboard. On
the fourth day in the early morning they came down as close to the ship
as they dared to bid farewell.

"Write if there's any change for the worse," cried Mrs. Bunnett.

"Or if you get it, George," cried Mr