The _Susquehanna_ had been loaded to her capacity and beyond with war equipment for the Russian Government and was about to take her departure from New York, when Woywod, who had been prevented before by the duties imposed by the necessity of getting the ship ready quickly for her next long voyage, paid his annual or semi-annual visit to his friend. Now these visits had become so thoroughly a matter of custom that Woywod had established the right of entrance. None of the clerks in the outer office would have thought of stopping him, and although Harnash was very strict in requiring respect for the sanctity of his private office Woywod made no hesitation about entering it unceremoniously.
Like all sailors, he moved with cat-like softness and quickness. He opened the door noiselessly and surprised his friend seated at his desk, his face buried in his hands in an attitude of the deepest dejection. Friendship has a discerning power as well as greater passions.
"Why, George, old boy," began Woywod, laying his hand on the other’s shoulder, and that touch gave Harnash the first warning that he was not alone, "what’s the matter?"
Harnash looked up quickly, rose to his feet as he recognized his visitor, and grasped him by the hand with a warmth he had not shown in years.
"Bill," he explained, "I’m in the deepest trouble that ever fell on a man, and you come like an angel in time to help me."
Harnash must have meant a dark angel, but Woywod knew nothing of that.
"What is it, old man?" he asked. "If it’s money you’re needin’ I got a shot or two in the locker an’--"
"No, it’s not money. I’m making more than ever."
"Been buckin’ up agin the law an’ want a free passage to safety? Well, me an’ old man Fish is as thick as peas in a pod, an’ the _Susquehanna’s_ at your service."
"Look here, George," said Woywod, "I’m about as rough as they make ’em an’ there ain’t no man as ever sailed with me that won’t endorse that there statement, but I never done no harm to no woman an’ if you’ve been--"
"You’re on the wrong tack again, Bill," interposed Harnash, smiling. "It’s a woman I love and who loves me."
"Well, I don’t reckon I can help you there unless you want me to be best man at the weddin’."