] I have it--both his and the
chief engineer's. Oh, they didn't want to at first, in spite of my
social service credentials. They didn't seem a bit anxious that I
should investigate how the other half lives and works on a ship.
So I had to tell them that my father, the president of Nazareth
Steel, chairman of the board of directors of this line, had told
me it would be all right.
AUNT--He didn't.
MILDRED--How naive age makes one! But I said he did, Aunt. I even
said he had given me a letter to them--which I had lost. And they
were afraid to take the chance that I might be lying. [Excitedly.]
So it's ho! for the stokehole. The second engineer is to escort
me. [Looking at her watch again.] It's time. And here he comes, I
think. [The SECOND ENGINEER enters, He is a husky, fine-looking
man of thirty-five or so. He stops before the two and tips his
cap, visibly embarrassed and ill-at-ease.]
SECOND ENGINEER--Miss Douglas?
MILDRED--Yes. [Throwing off her rugs and getting to her feet.] Are
we all ready to start?
SECOND ENGINEER--In just a second, ma'am. I'm waiting for the
Fourth. He's coming along.
MILDRED--[With a scornful smile.] You don't care to shoulder this
responsibility alone, is that it?
SECOND ENGINEER--[Forcing a smile.] Two are better than one.
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