Sam German lifted down the boiling kettle, and poured half away.
“Set it down, Samuel.”
“Yes, mum,” said the man obediently; and as it was placed by the fire, Aunt Georgie plunged her tea-bag in, and held it beneath the boiling water with a piece of stick.
Just then the captain and Uncle Jack appeared from where they had been inspecting the horses.
“Morning, auntie,” said the former, going up and kissing the sturdy-looking old lady.
“Good-morning, my dear,” she replied; “you needn’t ask me. I slept deliciously, and only dreamed once about that dreadful black man.—Good-morning, John, my dear,” she continued, kissing Uncle Jack. “Why, you have not shaved, my dear.”
“No,” he said gruffly, “I’m going to let my beard grow.”
“John!” exclaimed Aunt Georgie.
“Time those girls were up,” said the captain.
“They’ll be here directly, Edward,” said the old lady; “they are only packing up the blankets.”