CHAPTER XV.
HOMEWARD BOUND.
NED had of late recovered rapidly, could walk quite well, and was on board the vessel very often, and went about the city some; but the doctor advised that he should not go on board the vessel to live till she was ready to sail. Ned had not seen Walter since his promotion, but Peterson had been up and informed him of it.
“Well, Ned,” said Walter, as he entered the room, “it has turned out just as I told you it would; the basket-maker is Charlie’s father, and no mistake.”
“I am so glad, Mr. Griffin! and he will go back with us—won’t he?”
“Ned, my boy, just leave that handle off, and call me Walter, as you always did. It makes me sick.”
“But you are mate now; Peterson told me so.”
“What of that? When we are on board ship, call me what you like; but not when we are alone, as we are now, you little monkey,” patting his cheek.