“Well, I have been here nearly all day, and I haven’t laid me two eyes on any goat, cat or dog.”
No, to be sure he had not laid his two eyes on them for he had but one eye with which to see.
The young orderly went off, inquiring on every boat that lay along the dock if they had seen a goat, dog or cat anywhere around there that day.
“Captain! Captain!” called Dick down the hatchway. “We have had another close call. A young orderly from the very regiment Billy belongs to was here inquiring for him and the other two.”
“And what did you tell him?”
“Just said, ‘No, I have not laid me two eyes on them.’”
“Haw, haw, haw!” laughed the Captain. “You did well to turn him off in that way, even if it was half a lie. But it shows we must not tarry another minute here or the next thing we know they will be sending the police for them. Here, call the other sailors and let us heave to and be off.”
And presently Billy said to Button, “We are moving! Thank goodness we have started on our homeward journey once more!”
Nothing of interest happened on the rest of the trip to Havre except when a little bird flew on deck with a message for Billy from Duke.
“Why, I did not even know he was gone!” exclaimed Billy. “I took it for granted he had returned to the boat when I was away, and was now asleep somewhere on it. What did you say he said, and where was he when he told you?”