It was Charley's first gun. He fondled it and handled it, and scarce put it down until Mrs. Blink announced supper, and they sat down to an appetizing meal of bruise.[8] Both boys were hungry, and Skipper Cy urged them to eat.
"Fill up, now," he would say. "Take more of un. You lads have had a long day cruisin', and I'm not doubtin' you're fair starved."
And they ate and ate of the bruise until they could eat no more, with all the good Skipper's urging.
When they were through Skipper Cy took them into the store, or "shop" as he called it, where Charley purchased fresh underwear for himself and for Toby to take the place of that which Toby had let him use, and Toby purchased necessities which Mrs. Twig required at home, and still there was a small balance left to Charley's credit.
"I'd like something for Mrs. Twig," suggested Charley. "Have you anything you think she'd like?"
"Just the thing! Just the thing!" and Skipper Cy produced a small woolen shawl. "She'll like un for her shoulders. Mrs. Blink wears one of un, and she's wonderful proud of un, and says 'tis a rare comfort."
"Mother would like un wonderful well," advised Toby, much pleased at Charley's thoughtfulness.
"All right," agreed Charley. "And now I want something for Violet."
"I has just the thing for the little maid!" Skipper Cy beamed delightedly.