Ricks. They'll save their
ships a dollar wherever they can; and simple, honest Old Man Grant
agreed to my suggestion. Before he had an opportunity to consider I
stepped to the telegraph office and wrote this message for him." Matt
produced another telegram and read:
"'Blue Star Navigation Company,
"'258 California Street, San Francisco.
"'Instructions with reference to change of masters received.
Would feel badly if I thought any act of mine necessitated
change; but since my conscience is clear I shall not worry. I
always have done and always shall do my duty to my owners
without thought of my personal interests, and you may rely
fully on that in the present emergency.'
"Well, sir, that sounded so infernally grandiloquent to Old Man Grant
that his hand actually trembled with emotion as he signed it--at my
suggestion. You know I'd hate to be tried for forgery. Then I shook
hands with him and started for Panama once more--only this time I kept
right on going; and I didn't spare the fuel oil either. Why should I?
It wasn't costing me anything."
Both Cappy and Mr. Skinner winced, as from a blow. Matt waited for
them to say something, but they didn't; so after a respectful interval
he resumed:
"Off the Coronado Islands I sent you Captain Grant's diplomatic
message.
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