Dan found a seat on the opposite side of the deck, resolved to accept Bassett's own definition of their relations--markedly expressed in Bassett's back and shoulders that were stolidly presented to him.

Dan, searching out the lights that were just beginning to blink on the darkling shores, found the glimmering lanterns of Mrs.Owen's landing.

Sylvia was there! It was Sylvia he had come to see, and the coldness with which Morton Bassett turned his back upon him did not matter in the least.

It was his pliability in Bassett's hands, manifested at the convention where he had appeared as the boss's spokesman, that had earned him Sylvia's first rebuke.
He was thinking of this and of Sylvia when Bassett left his chair and crossed the deck.

Dan barely turned his head, thinking he was merely changing his seat for a better view; but as Bassett stopped in front of him, Dan rose and pushed forward a chair.
"No, thank you; I suppose you came up on the evening train.