"New York state," added Beany. "She wanted something to remember the war by, so we are going to take her these. She didn't want any German helmets or anything of that sort. She said she didn't want ever to be reminded of helmets, so we will take her these instead."
"But, good heavens!" said the officer. "You ought not do anything like that! She would have to bring them up."
"That's all right, too," said Porky. "Mom has had experience. She has had us, and one of these is a girl. Girls ought to be easier than boys."
"No, she won't mind and, anyhow, we are going to do all the hard work ourselves. Teaching them swimming and baseball and all that."
"The girl will like that," said the officer dryly.
"Course she will!" said Beany, looking proudly down at the future baseballess.
"It's like this," said Porky. "Our people always trust us, and we know it will be all right. I do hope you can fix it for us, Captain."
"It would be a wonderful thing for those poor little orphans," mused the Captain. "But how would you get them home?"
"That's easy," said Porky. "Our time is up pretty soon. You see we were only allowed a limited stay. That was the agreement when we came, and we can take the kids over with us. Won't you please get General Pershing to fix it up for us? There will be some woman on board to tell us what they ought to eat, and when to put 'em to bed and all that."
"It would be a wonderful thing," said the Captain again. "If you are sure about your mother. It's a good deal to wish off on her."