"Tell us about the visit to Hurricane Hall," said Hal.
Whereupon Black Donald commenced, and concealing only the motive of his visit, gave his comrades a very graphic, spicy and highly colored narrative of his adventure at Hurricane Hall, and particularly of his "passages at arms" with the little witch, Capitola, whom he described as:
"Such a girl! slender, petite, lithe, with bright, black ringlets dancing around a little face full of fun, frolic, mischief and spirit, and bright eyes quick and vivacious as those of a monkey, darting hither and thither from object to object."
"The captain is in love sure enough," said Steve.
"Bravo! here's success to the captain's love!—she's a brick!" shouted the men.
"Oh, she is!" assented their chief, with enthusiasm.
"Long life to her! three times three for the pretty witch of Hurricane Hall!" roared the men, rising to their feet and waving their full mugs high in the air, before pledging the toast.
"That is all very well, boys; but I want more substantial compliments than words—boys, I must have that girl!"
"Who doubts it, captain? Of course you will take her at once if you want her," said Hal, confidently.
"But, I must have help in taking her."