He was glad to exchange ideas with the boys upon learning that they were from the North.  Their tales of adventure with the motor boat seemed quite fascinating to him.  They related some of their adventures on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, in the mining region, where they had been on special duty during the strike of mine employees and then detailed some features of their trip South that had so nearly resulted in disaster.

An hour passed quickly away before the boys realized that it was getting late.  Jumping up from their seats they declared that they must prepare supper and make ready for their chums who were expected momentarily.  With an expression of good will the watchman prepared to make his rounds of the yard.

Just as he was about to move away Jack asked: 

“Oh, by the way, do you know a man named Wyckoff who lives in this vicinity somewhere?  He’s a man of medium build and has one of those peculiar blue-black beards that can never be shaved quite clean because the skin is so clear, the black roots of the whiskers show through.  He also is carrying a smashed nose just now.”

“I cain’t seem to reckomember of any sich man,” deliberately replied the watchman.  “What did youall say he done?”

“I don’t know what he does regularly.  I think he’s a fisherman and shrimper betimes.  Possibly he does odd jobs when he’s not fishing.  He seems to be quite a handy man at any job.”

“No, I don’t believe I can place him,” replied the watchman with a note of regret in his voice, as if he were sorry for his lack of knowledge concerning the man sought.

“Oh, well,” lightly answered Jack, “it’s no matter.  He’s probably from some other town along the coast.  Don’t worry about it.”

“Are you going to stay aboard tonight?” asked the watchman in leaving.  “If you wanted to take a run uptown to the show I’ll be mighty glad to watch your vessel right close while you’re gone.”

“Thank you for the offer,” Jack replied as he prepared to mount the ladder leading to the deck above him.  “You are very kind.”

He was about to add that they would remain aboard the vessel, but caught himself and for no accountable reason answered: 

“We were figuring on going uptown after supper.  If you happen to be in this part of the yard you might keep an eye on the little wagon.

“And, by the way,” he added, “here’s a piece of change for your trouble.  It’s not much, but if you try hard you can spend it.  Most business places are glad to get them.”

“Thank you, boss, thank you,” eagerly cried the watchman.

Jack knew by his manner that the piece of money was the object of his offer, but tried to avoid letting the man see that.

Rowdy was unable to negotiate the ladder and consequently had to be carried up by Tom.  At last they were all aboard, supper was under way and the Fortuna was bright with lights from her storage batteries.  Jack decided it was best not to start the engines because of the danger of displacing the shoring.