"Her father has returned," he said to himself, almost without interest, and went down to the shore. His supposition proved correct. But from the way the last of the boats manoeuvred there was evidently something wrong. He waited until it got alongside, and then walked down the jetty to find out what this peculiarity might mean. A little crowd was collected on the second boat; those Kanakas who knew him made way for him to step on board. The crew of the boat itself regarded him with some surprise.
"The boss has met with an accident," explained the oldest of the men, "and we don't know how to let his daughter know."
"In the cabin aft. Step below and see him for yourself."
Ellison did as he was directed, and went down the companion into the box of a cabin. An elderly man, with gray hair and beard, bearing an unmistakable likeness to Esther, lay on a roughly constructed bed placed on the port side. He looked up as Ellison entered.
"My name is Ellison," the other replied. "I have been a month in your employ--your daughter took me on as a carpenter and general hand in place of Paddy the Lasher, discharged."
"Then you may be able to do me a good turn. I have met with a serious accident--slipped on those steps there and injured my back. From the numbness of my lower half, I'm almost afraid it's a hopeless case; but I don't want to frighten my daughter without need. Will you go up and break the news to her?"
"If you wish it. But surely it's not as bad as you say. Perhaps it's only a severe sprain."
"I fear not. As I tell you, I'm dead below the waist."
"Will you stay here till I come back, or shall we carry you up now?"
"I'll stay here. But don't be longer than you can help, and break the news as gently as you can to her."
Ellison went up the steps again, passed through the little crowd, and made his way back towards the house. He was only just in time, for Esther had seen the boats come in, and was on her way to meet her father. She was surprised to see the man to whom she had just said "Good-bye" coming along the path towards her. Something in his face must have warned her that he was the bearer of evil tidings, for she stopped, and he heard her catch her breath with a little convulsive sob.