Granny came out at that.
"Yes. A cousin of Mr. Terry's has been visiting there; and we have struck up a friendship and a bargain,—Cap'n Burton. He owns a sloop that goes to Albany and around, and wants a boy who can keep books a little, and all that. It's just as jolly as a lark!"
It was plain to be seen that Joe no longer stood in awe of Florence's ladylike reprimands.
Granny's eyes grew larger and larger. She fairly clutched Joe's arm as she gasped,—
"Going—to sea!"
"Yes, Granny. Don't get solemn new, as if you thought a shark would devour me the first thing,—body and boots. You know it always was my idea, and this is real splendid! And there's no more danger than driving Mr. Terry's grocery-wagon."
"But you might get drownded," Granny said awesomely.
"Tell you what I'll do, Granny. Tie a rope to my leg, and fasten it to the mast. Then you know, if I fall overboard, I can haul in. There isn't a bit of danger. Why, Capt. Burton's been all his life. There, don't cry. You are the dearest old grandmother that ever was; but we can't stay under your wing forever."
"You have not made your bargain?" asked Hal, surprised that another dream should come true.
"Well,—almost. He's coming down here in the morning to have a talk with Granny. He will give me ten dollars a month and found, which mean, tea and fish and baccy."