“He is my dog, named Zip.”
“He will be as welcome as his master,” said Mr. Hall.
“I know that and I thank you for us both.”
“It’s mesilf that is wondering why ye don’t kaap company,” said Mike Murphy; “me dad explained to Father Hoogan, as his rason for taking me wid him whereiver he wint, that he liked to have a pup at his heels whin he wandered round the country.”
The visitor smiled at the Irish lad’s drollery, and was on the point of answering the query, when the Scouts in charge of the dinner preparations announced that the meal was ready.
“We are all curious to hear your story, which we know is interesting,” remarked the Scout Master as he and the boys rose to their feet, “but nothing can be so attractive just now as the meal to which we have just been summoned.”
“I am of your opinion,” replied Burton, moving off with the others to the table.
“May I ask when you look for the arrival of your friend Zip?”
The guest took out his watch and glanced at its face.
“It is now half-past six; he ought to be here by seven; I must allow him some margin.”