"Hello, Trecothick! what are you doing here, man?" demanded a hearty voice.
The Cuban thus interrupted, gravely inclined his head, and passing over the plank, mounted the companionway to the upper deck, where Mrs. and Miss Waterston were already seated.
"Who's that Spaniard?" asked the newcomer.
"Don't know, I'm sure, Bonnycastle. He was trying to teach me manners, and I chaffed him a little, that's all," replied Trecothick, indifferently. "What am I doing here? Why, going to sail for the Carribee Isles, or Patagonia, or anywhere that this boat goes."
"Going to Cuba, you mean? "
"Yes."
"Do you know the Waterstons?"
"No."
"There they are on the promenade deck. Come up, and I'll present you."
"Thanks; but I want to get away from everybody and everything."
"All right! see you later." And Mr. Bonnycastle stepped up to the ladies' room.
"So kind of you to come down!" exclaimed mother and daughter, in a breath. "Such lovely flowers! Too charming, altogether! Thanks, very much." And Hildegarde and her mother daintily sniffed at the great box of fragrant blossoms, which Mr. Bonnycastle had sent.
"Do you know the captain of this boat, Mr. Bonnycastle?" inquired Mrs. Waterston, presently. "I always like to have the captain properly presented at the beginning, you know; and then there is no awkwardness in first sitting down at table. I always have the upper, right-hand seats, at the captain's table, secured along with my ticket and stateroom."
