“They’ve forgotten the tea,” cried Hetty, merrily.
“No. Got more than we want,” cried Rifle.
“Sugar, then,” said Ida. “No; I mean salt.”
“Wrong again, girls,” cried Norman. “We’ve got plenty of everything, and only want to start off—How long can you do without us, father?”
“Oh,” said the captain, good-humouredly, “you are an idle lot. I don’t want you. Say six months.”
“Edward, my dear!” exclaimed Mrs Bedford, in alarm.
“Well then, say a fortnight. Fourteen days, boys, and if you are not back then, we shall be uneasy, and come in search of you.”
“Come now, father,” cried Rifle, laughing. “I say, I do wish you would.”
“Nothing I should enjoy better, my boy,” said the captain. “This place makes me feel full of desire adventure.”
“Then come,” cried Norman. “It would be grand. You come too, Uncle Jack;” but that gentleman shook his head as did his brother.