"I can't eat much to-night, Uncle Theophilus! I'm not hungry!"
"Excitement has taken away your appetite, I suppose!"
"Yes, Aunt Mary Ann and I were so dreadfully afraid that you would be drowned?" Dick confessed. "I was never so frightened before!"
"Ah, I have not scolded you and your aunt for coming down to the beach," Dr. Warren said reprovingly, "and I don't think I shall now. I am glad I did not know you were there, though!"
"Uncle Theophilus!" cried Dick, "you are one of the bravest men I know!"
"Oh, come now, my boy, I cannot allow you to so openly flatter me," the doctor expostulated with a smile. Then, seeing how serious Dick was, he added gravely, "I only did my duty, no man should do less than that. 'The Eternal Father, strong to save' was with us all to-night!"
"He was indeed!" Miss Warren agreed softly.
As for Dick, he rose from his chair, went around the table to Dr. Warren's side, and flung his arms around his neck.
"You are brave, Uncle Theophilus!" he cried, "and I feel so proud of you, and so glad that I sort of belong to you, you know!"