Then he walked off and waved his cap in the air.
"If you want to join Captain Charles on his voyage to the Treasure Islands, you'll have to sign on before next Wednesday. The voyage begins on Thursday. That's the first day of my Easter holidays, and Mother and I mean to have three weeks' holidays if Father agrees, and the voyage will last three weeks."
Hope and Faith ran home in the greatest excitement. When Charity heard of the raft, she was determined to know Charlie as soon as possible. And when Aunt Alice heard of it, she said to Granny:
"Mrs. Evans told us of her delicate boy when she called the other day; there is no harm in the children playing together."
So when a little note came from Mrs. Evans, asking the three little girls to lunch on the next Wednesday, they were allowed to go, and went off to the doctor's house in high spirits.
Charlie welcomed them warmly. He took them to his schoolroom and showed them some silkworms and guinea pigs.
"Are these your live cargo?" asked Hope.
He looked at her sharply.
"I have a good deal more than these. Are you going to sign on?"
"I am," cried Hope delightedly.