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—[Getting to his feet.] Then, that’s settled.

—[Now that he has definitely made a decision his voice rings with hopeful strength and energy.] Yes, I’ll take the berth. The sooner I go the sooner I’ll be back, that’s a certainty; and I won’t come back with empty hands next time. You bet I won’t!

—You ain’t got so much time, Andy. To make sure you’d best leave here soon’s you kin. You can’t put too much trust in them fellers. I got to get right back aboard. You’d best come with me.

—I’ll go to the house and repack my bag right away.

—[Quietly.] You’ll both be here for dinner, won’t you?

—[Worriedly.] I don’t know. Will there be time? What time is it now, I wonder?

—[Reproachfully.] Ma’s been getting dinner especially for you, Andy.

—[Flushing—shamefacedly.] Hell! And I was forgetting! I’m a damn fool. Of course I’ll stay for dinner if I missed every damned ship in the world. [He turns to the —briskly.] Come on, Uncle. Walk down with me to the house and you can tell me more about this berth on the way, I’ve got to pack before dinner. [He and the start down to the left.  calls back over his shoulder.] You’re coming soon, aren’t you, Rob?

—Yes. I’ll be right down. [ and