"Nor I," replied Mr. Twinkle. "For my part, I don't like the country, and the people are—"
Alfred Van Hoosen stared at him, fixedly.
"Are what?" he asked.
Mr. Twinkle made just the least little nervous start.
"Oh! perfect gentlemen, of course," he added.
"Come!" again said the captain. "The gentlemen shall hear from us."
"By cable, I guess," laughed Alfred.
"Do you join us, Mr. Mole?" asked the captain, not noticing the remark of Van Hoosen.
"Well—no," answered the professor. "I knew it was a lark all through, and as I never bite off my nose to spite my face, I will forgive Jack this time, and stay to lunch with my very good friend, Mr. Van Hoosen."
He held out his hand.