OUR HERO FINDS A FATHER.
Shortly after Van and Poppet arrived at the latter's house, a messenger came in, stating that the president of the city board would like an audience with the visiting strangers.
"We will get ready and go at once," said Poppet. "The president, who is a cripple, is an American, and no doubt he would be glad to see some of his own countrymen."
"We are not all Americans," spoke up Jack Howard; "three of us are English, you know."
"Four," added Joe. "My parents were born in England."
"Well, two of us are natives of the United States," said Van; "and so we will be very glad to see the president."
"So will we," exclaimed Jack. "I think just as much of America as any other nation on the face of the globe."
"I think enough of her to give all I am worth if I was only back there now," observed Lank Edwards. "I've got a wife an' three children waitin' for me in ther land of ther free, an' I am wery anxious ter git home again, I kin tell you!"
A far-away look came into the eyes of the honest-hearted mate, which caused his companions to change the subject.