The cabin boy did duty for all the dozen passengers, and therefore he was slow in answering.

When he appeared, she asked him to carry the captain word that she wished to speak with him.

He returned in a short time to say that Captain McTee would talk with her now in his cabin.
She followed aft to the captain's room.

He did not rise when she entered, but turned in his chair and relinquished a long, black, fragrant cigar.
"Don't stop smoking," she said.

"I want you in a pleasant mood to hear what I have to say." Without reply he placed the cigar in his mouth and the bright black eyes fastened upon her.