But he could not afford to lose his dignity, oh, no, and he
chuckled as he sat there for a few minutes after the scouts had gone
home.
That evening when supper was over, the captain started out alone in the
tender. He told his wife that it might be late before he got home, and
for her not to worry. He knew where many logs were lying in coves and
creeks unknown to the scouts. Hour after hour he patiently toiled,
collecting these, and lashing them together with timber-dogs and ropes
he had brought with him. It was long after dark when he at last took
his raft in tow, and began to row for his own shore. The tide was
favourable, so after a pull of over an hour he had the satisfaction of
making them fast to a tree in front of the Anchorage.
Next morning the captain was in great spirits, and he chuckled so often
over his breakfast that his wife's curiosity was aroused.
"What is it, Joshua?" she asked. "You seem to be greatly amused over
something."
"Oh, it's only a little surprise fer the scouts," was the reply.
"Don't say a word, and I'll tell ye."
"But what about your dignity, Joshua?" Mrs. Britt laughingly enquired,
when she had heard the story. "May I tell Whyn? She would be so
pleased, poor girl.
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