The figure took a step into the room. 'Simian,' it said, 'don't you recognise me?'
'Why, it's Billykins!' cried Chimp, running forward and seizing the Hermit's hand.
'Great Heavens! Master Augustus!' exclaimed the Captain. 'Where did you spring from?'
'From the hamper!' said the Hermit.
Chimp and the Captain stared at each other for a moment, and then—'What!' roared the Captain, 'a stowaway! Well, you're something like an apprentice, you are!' And he smote the table till the ship trembled, and laughed like the north wind.
The Hermit waited patiently till the storm abated, while Chimp gazed at him in wonderment and admiration.
Then, in the lulls of the Captain's merriment, he explained. 'You see,' he said, 'this boy has changed me considerably. I see things with new eyes. And when I was standing there by the boat, the desire to run away and be for ever quit of the island and solitude came strongly upon me.'
'Oh, what a model apprentice!' the Captain exclaimed.
'So,' continued the Hermit, a little abashed, 'well—so I crawled into the hamper.'
'Hooray!' cried Chimp; it's splendid. But aren't you hungry?'