The two boys sprang from the car without ceremony and ran to Captain Bluntt, who, indeed, it was, as he turned to survey his surroundings, his bushy red beard bristling in indignation.
“By the imps of the sea!” he exclaimed. “’Tis the youngsters!” He grasped a hand of each, the look of indignation in his face giving place to one of high pleasure. “You rascals! You rascals! Is this two o’clock? Weren’t I telling you scamps t’ be aboard at two o’clock? Yes, two o’clock sharp! Two o’clock!”
“How’s Mother an’ Dad?” asked Dan anxiously.
“Well. Very well, last I heard from un. Gone in mournin’ for you. Yes, you rascal! Gone in mournin’ for you! Hard blow, your death was to un! Hard blow! Yes, you rascal! How do, Mr. Remington? How do? Glad to see you! Happier times than when we sees each other last!”
“Captain Bluntt, this is my mother and this is my father,” broke in Paul, introducing them.
“Glad to know you, Madam,” and the Captain bowed low. “Glad to know you, sir. Had to come on when I got your telegram! Had to see the young rascals! Had to see ’em, and take Dan to his folks myself!”
“It’s a very great pleasure to meet you, Captain Bluntt,” said Mrs. Densmore, extending her hand to him. “Paul has been telling me a great deal of you since yesterday.”
Densmore shook the Captain’s hand cordially.
“You’ll have to remain with us a few days, Captain. Paul won’t part from Dan, you know, until he shows him something of the city!”
And as Captain Bluntt would not think of enduring a return journey by train, and he was compelled to wait three days for the St. Johns steamer, he accepted their hospitality. Every day during their stay was filled with sightseeing, with evenings at the theater, and a new world was opened for Dan.