"Lind him to ye!" he repeated. "And phwat would you do wid him?"
"You know father bought me a motor boat, which arrived a few days ago. Chester Haynes and I have had great fun cruising up the Kennebec and different bays and streams, and we are going to keep at it until we have to go home. We want Mike to join us and share our sport, just as long as Chester and I are in this part of the world. You won't refuse me the favor?"
It was evident that the parents were pleased with the request. The proud mother said:
"Mike is so gintle that he'll be a good companion for anyone."
"Yis; because of his gintleness," repeated the father grimly. "But it saams to me ye're too kind, Alvin; he won't be able to airn his kaap and the indulgence ye'll give him."
"Won't earn them! Why, we don't intend to hire him; it's the pleasure we shall have in the company of such a good fellow as Mike. Besides," added Alvin, lowering his voice, "I have a feeling that we're not through with those two fellows who attacked me to-night. Mike won't be satisfied until he has paid the one who ran away from him and left his hat behind."
"Ye're wilcome to the lad," assented his father, "and I take it as very good on yer part, which is what ivery one has a right to ixpict from yersilf and father."
"No blarneying, Pat," protested their caller. "I am obliged to you for granting my request, for the favor will be wholly given to us."
"Now it's yersilf that's blarneying," said Pat.
The kitchen door softly opened and the grinning, red-faced Mike came into the room and sat down near his young friend.