"Come along. Delighted."
And that night the bungalow was filled to overflowing, for not only did the boys come, but several officers who had known Mr. Stewart and Mr. Harold for years were eager to renew their acquaintance, and talk over old days.
"And you've come just in time for the regatta. Going to be a big race this year. The men are up at Gales ferry now and look fit to a finish. How are you planning to see it?" asked the captain of the Olympia.
"Haven't planned a thing yet. Why we've only just struck our holding ground, man."
"Good, I'm glad of it. That fixes it all right. You are all to be my guests that day—yes—no protests. Rockhill has gone to Europe and left his launch at my service and she's a jim-dandy, let me tell you. She's a sixty-footer and goes through the water like a knife blade. You'll all come with me and we'll see the show from a private box."
"Can you carry ALL OF US?" asked Peggy incredulously.
"Every last one, little girl, and a dozen more if you like. So fly to the east and fly to the west and then invite the very one whom you love best," answered Captain Boynton, pinching Peggy's velvety cheek.
"Oh, there are so many we love best," she laughed, "that we'd never dare ask them all, would we, Polly?"
"Let's ask all who are here tonight," was Polly's diplomatic answer, "then no one can feel hurt."
"Hoopla!" rose from the other end of the porch where Durand, Ralph, and three of the other boys from the ships were sitting around a big bamboo table drinking lemonade.