The Seiners Part 28

"Rough? No, it's right. When you do wrong you've got to make up for it. It's all in the big scheme of the universe. You've got to strike a balance some time--somewhere. And the sooner the better. Be thankful if you have to settle it right away, Joe. If you don't and it drags along--then it's worse again, and the Lord help those that come after you--those that have to take up life where you've left it off. The Lord have mercy on the heirs of your brain and heart and soul, boy.

What you hand them they've got to take. Yes, sir, you'll pay for it somewhere--you yourself, or, what's worse, those you care for will have to pay--in this world or another--whatever it is we're coming to, a better or a worse world, it's there and waiting us. Be thankful, as I said, Joe, if you have to settle for it here--settle for it yourself alone."

All around, above and below, ahead and astern, he looked, a long, long look astern--his foot on the step, and singing softly, almost to himself:

"And if I come to you, my love, And my heart free from guile, Will you have a glance for me-- Will you on me smile?

Oh, Lord! pipe-dreams--pipe-dreams. Let's go below, Joe, and have a bite to eat."

So below we went; and her sails lit up by the morning sun, her decks wet by the slapping sea, sheets off and sailing free, the Johnnie Duncan clipped her way to the east'ard.