Pearson looked at the closed door and then at the lady.
"A surprise for me in _there_ ?" he repeated.

"What's the joke, Mrs.
Hepton ?" By way of answer she took him by the arm, and, leading him to the door, threw the latter open.
"Here he is!" she said.
"Hello, Jim!" hailed Captain Elisha Warren, cheerfully.

"Ship ahoy! Glad to see you." He was standing in the middle of the room, his hat on the table and his hands in his pockets.
Pearson was surprised; there was no doubt of that--not so much at the sight of his friend--he had expected to see or hear from the captain before the day was over--as at seeing him in that room.

He could not understand what he was doing there.
Captain Elisha noted his bewildered expression, and chuckled.
"Come aboard, Jim!" he commanded.

"Come in and inspect.