“Fact is,” said John Studwick, “I’ve set up a medical man of my own. Mr Meldon is going with us on the voyage.”
“What voyage?” said Dutch, eagerly.
“Oh, you don’t know, of course,” said John Studwick, laughing. “My father thinks a sea voyage will set me right, and I am going in the Sea King. Bessy’s going too.”
“Indeed,” said Dutch, looking from one to the other, while Bessy coloured slightly, and turned away.
“Yes, it’s just settled this morning. Mr Parkley is willing, so we shall have a sea voyage and adventure too. I say, Mr Pugh, you asked me to come to your house.”
“Yes, and I shall be very glad,” said Dutch, smiling.
“Well, can we fix a day when we may be introduced to this Spanish Cuban gentleman? I’m curious to know my fellow-passenger. Sick man’s fancy.”
“Thursday week, then,” said Dutch, eagerly. “Mr Meldon, perhaps, will join us.”
“I shall be very happy,” replied that individual.
And he glanced at Bessy, who coloured again slightly; and then, after a few words about the voyage, in which John Studwick expressed his regret that Dutch was not going on the expedition, the little party went away.