Chapter Twenty Two (Way Off Broadway)

I see that Captain talks to Carolyn in the kitchen. She thinks Captain should apologize to Claymore. Apparently Captain thinks the stage is a bad place to be. He has forbidden her to appear on stage. Even I know he has made a big mistake! You never say that to her unless you want her to do something! It seems Martha is involved in this play thing as well.

Captain is unhappy when Carolyn leaves and takes the children with her. The big baby! He doesn't want to be alone. What kind of a ghost is he? He and I are left at Gull Cottage together and he pretends he isn't lonely. I bark.

Captain, what is wrong?

"Nothing is wrong, why do you ask?"

You are acting funny.

"Funny how?" he demanded.

Different. I cock my head at him. You miss them, don't you?

He gave me a long look before he answered.

"Not a tic. It's like a holiday without tattling women aboard and squalling kids messing up the decks. Like a blasted holiday isn't it?"

I agree in my dog voice, trying to cheer him up. He accidently kicks one of my playmates toys and I go to get it as it's one that I like to play with too. I bring it over to Captain and give it to him. He regards the toy fondly and then rushes to the window when he hears a car.

Not lonely, my terrier ass!

"Blast!" he says when the car drives by. He regards the toy again and I know he is sad. He loves my family.

Captain disappears then and I know he has gone to see the others. Now I am home alone but it doesn't bother me at all. I am a terrier and an independent thinker! I know my family loves me and I will see them when they get back so I am content. I don't need to chase them like Captain! What did Carolyn call him? A waif? He most certainly is. Proud that I have not stooped to that level I go on my patrol of the house and it grounds.

Soon, it is time for the play at least that is what Carolyn says. She blames the Captain for being involved because he was the one that forbid her to do this, so of course she had to do it. I do not understand this thinking but I do understand it is how she is. She thinks Captain didn't hear but I see the thoughtful expression on his face as she leaves. He leaves the house a little later; I think maybe he has gone to help her as he always does.