"
He laughed cheerily.
"Oh, she enjoys it, Sairay; don't 'grudge her that comfort, for a'ter
all we mostly gets home safe, barrin' a broken rib perhaps, or a finger.
I've had three falls from the rigging, and one wreck, and I'm pretty
lively yet!" A general movement seawards interrupted them. This was the
final scene, the actual start. He held out his hand quickly.
"Well, good-by, Sairay."
"Good-by, Jasper. You'll look after father? That is, he's getting old,
you know, and if anything should happen"--
"I won't forgit, Sairay. I'm on the Sea Gull, but I'll see him now and
then. Good-by."
His voice was wistful, but his eyes even more so, as he clasped her hand
in a quick, strong pressure which almost hurt her, then turned, and went
with great strides towards his father's long-boat just about pushing
off; for this was Jaspar Norris whose father was captain of the fleet,
and by far the richest and most consequential man in Killamet.
Sara turned from the young man's hand-clasp to her father's embrace.
"Waal, Sairay, we're off, an' good luck goes with us, ef a man kin jedge
by the weather. Good-by. God bless you, darter!"
Sara could not speak, but she held him close a minute, then stood with
tearful eyes and watched him embark, telling herself he had always
returned safe and sound, and surely he would again.
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