"
"I have been in ships that did do it. But I prefer not to. The _Linnet_
is ready as far as she can be, and not be in motion; there will not be as
much to do as there is often in a storm at sea; but this is not an
emergency, and I won't do it if I can help it."
"But your father is so determined."
"So am I," said Will in a determined voice.
"But you do not own a plank in her," said Linnet anxiously. "Oh, I hope
it _won't_ be fair to-morrow."
"It isn't fair to-night, at any rate. I believe you were to give a hungry
traveller some supper."
Linnet ran in to kindle the fire and make a cup of tea; Will cut the cold
boiled ham and the bread, while Linnet brought the cake and sugared the
blueberries.
"Linnet, we have a precious little home."
"Thanks to your good father."
"Yes, thanks to my father. I ought not to displease him," Will returned
seriously.
"You do please him; you satisfy him in everything. He told Hollis so."
"Why, I didn't tell you that Hollis came in the train with me. See how
you make me forget everything. He is to stay here a day or so, and then
go on a fishing excursion with some friends, and then come back here for
another day or so. What a fine fellow he is. He is the gentleman among us
boys."
"I would like to know what you are," said Linnet indignantly.
"A rough old tar," laughed Will, for the sake of the flash in his wife's
eyes.
"Then I'm a rough old tar too," said Linnet decidedly.
How short the evening was! They went across the fields to see Hollis, and
to talk over affairs with the largest owner of the _Linnet_.
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