"Oscar?"
"Oh, he did miss you at first. But Tomnahurich has another dog now, because he thinks on your next cruise you are bound to get Oscar with you. So Kooran, and he is a beauty, will then be his companion."
"Well, you're making me so happy, Willie; but just one more question. Ever see Archie?"
Willie laughed right merrily and mischievously.
"Why, he is here, Creggan; I was keeping this bit of news to astound you."
"Archie here!"
"Yes; I'll call him up now."
Next minute, with kindly hand extended, there walked, smiling but with eyes glistening with tears of joy, a fashionably-dressed young gentleman with a budding moustache.
"Man, is it your very, very self?"
"It is no other, dear old friend."