[132]
]But Phyl and Dolly, though reassured, were anxious not to trespass a moment longer.
“We’d better get down on our own deck now,” they said nervously, and Phyl added, “Are you first-class?”
“Oh! the captain’s my pater,” the lad said. “I have a bunk in his cabin, and have my meals anywhere; it’s better fun third, but the grub’s better first.”
“We’d really rather go,” said Phyl, edging towards the companion at the sight of an officer approaching. “Mam—mother will be looking for us.”
“Is she a little lady in black?” said the boy. “I saw her looking all over the decks below and asking the bo’sun questions. I thought she’d lost her box.”
But Phyl and Dolly had sprung away from him, and were rapidly descending the steps backwards.
[133]
]CHAPTER XII
AUSTRALIA
“Yesterday now is a part of forever
With glad days and sad days and bad days that never
Shall visit us more with their bloom and their blight,