"We'll keep a sharp look-out along the roads when we walk," said Hope. "Mrs. Cox wasn't at all right about the country. We do meet people very often, and we may meet him."
"We'll ask Lady Melville if she knows him when we see her next," Charity said; "and now I'm going to plant my magic seed. Come and see me do it."
So Hope and Faith accompanied her to the little garden, and she planted it just below their bedroom window.
"Perhaps it will be like Jack's beanstalk, and grow so high that we can step out of our window on to its branches," said Hope.
"It's sure to be different from any other tree, for it has been hidden away for years, I'm sure," said Charity.
They did not see Charlie for some time after this. They heard that he was ill, and one day a letter came from him addressed to "My Wife and Crew."
The little girls opened it with great delight. It was very short.
"This is to tell you that youre Captin lies dangirosly wunded, and his sickness is suvere. His next voyage will not take plaice, and when he gets better Ben is to come to him to delever messages to his wife and to Bolt.
"Charles, Captain of the 'Success.'"
Faith was Ben. She wondered why she was especially invited. Charity tossed her head.
"He knows he can do what he likes with Faith. I expect none of us will be able to go with him now, for Aunt Alice said we were to begin lessons. This new governess, Miss Vale, is coming next Monday."