But, the ejaculation spoke volumes, Bob's highest appreciation being
ever expressed by that expressive but slangy term "jolly!"
"Will it do, d'ye think?" said the Captain to Mrs Gilmour; there was no
need of his asking either of the children, their faces giving an
unhesitating assent at once, as did Dick's. "Eh, ma'am?"
"Certainly," she replied, "if it suits you."
"Then, that's settled," he decided. "There's a new steamer, called the
_Bembridge Belle_, I've seen advertised to run on an excursion to
Seaview pier; and I think she will do very well for us; especially as
she will go partly round the Island afterwards."
"I can't say I like excursion steamers," observed Mrs Gilmour
hesitatingly; "but if you think, as an experienced sailor, that she will
be safe, of course I can have no objection. You know--I'm speaking more
for the children's sake than my own, being responsible to their parents
for them."
"Safe, ma'am, eh? Safe as houses!" replied the Captain, with much
energy, stamping his foot on the floor as he spoke to give point to his
assertion, his malacca cane not being within reach at the moment.
"Otherwise, ma'am, I wouldn't let you or the chickabiddies go in her for
worlds!"
"You're quite sure, Captain?"
"Faith, I'll take my `davy,' ma'am, she's as staunch and sound as the
old _Bucephalus_."
"Say no more, Captain," said Mrs Gilmour. "If she's as safe as my poor
Ted's ship, she must be safe indeed, I know."
"She is that, I believe, ma'am, on my honour."
"All right then, Captain," replied Mrs Gilmour to this. "We'll
consider the trip arranged, then, for to-morrow, eh?"
"Very good, ma'am, there's my hand on it," cried the Captain, rising to
take his leave. "I must say `good-night' now; for, it's getting late,
and I ought to turn in early if you expect me to turn out to-morrow.
Good-night, Miss Nell; good-night, Bob; come along, Dick!"
With which parting words, away he sailed homeward, not thinking that he
had forgotten his game of cribbage with his fair hostess.
Strange to say, the old sailor never once recollected his customary
diversion throughout the evening!