"What secret have you there?" asked Captain Royston.
Monsieur put his hand on June's head, and looking straight in the Captain's eyes, he said:
"Your boy will make a fine soldier; he has courage and honor, and he can keep a secret. I congratulate you!"
Just then a gong sounded and the first officer ordered everybody who was going ashore to hurry. There was general bustle and confusion, June had a vague impression of Monsieur kissing him on both cheeks, and disappearing down the rope ladder, of Seki San kneeling before him while he clung to her neck and begged her not to leave him, then he was sitting on the railing, with Father's arm about him, and Mother holding one hand while with the other he waved good-by to the friends below.
"June waved good-by to the friends below."
The little launch grew strangely blurred as it danced away over the water. June did not see the crowd on the deck, nor the pilot at the wheel, nor even the white and orange flag that floated from the mast. He was watching the pink rose in Seki's hair growing fainter and fainter in the distance.
"And now," said Father, with decision, "I think it's about time to get busy with the Indians."