CHAPTER XII.
THE ARCHÆOPTERYX.
“But we always thought——” began Marjorie—
“That when people spoke of a sailor ”spinning a yarn,” they meant telling a story,” finished Dick.
“Oh! oh! how could you think such a thing,” said the sailors, indignantly. “Sailors always tell the truth; don’t they, Skipper?”
The Skipper winked at Dick with one eye, and answered, guardedly, “Ahem! I have heard a sailor speak the truth, certainly, but——”
“Let’s change the subject,” said the sailors, getting up from their wheels. “Isn’t it nearly time for us to be starting on another voyage?”
“When we get some passengers, it will be,” responded the Skipper, gruffly. “By-the-bye,” he added, turning to the children; “you want to go somewhere or another, don’t you?”
“Yes, to England,” said Dick, eagerly. “Do you go there, please?”
“H’m! Never heard of the place as I knows of,” said the Skipper, scratching his head. “We might cruise about till we come across it, if you like, though.”