"And where is mother?"
"She has gone into the town. She will be home soon. You will have time to tell me quite a deal before she comes."
The Ugly Duckling, with Admiral Jacko in full uniform, had been standing at some little distance, but now Creggan beckoned him forward and introduced him.
"My dearest friend and shipmate, Matty."
The Duckling bowed, ship-shape and sailor-fashion; so did the Admiral.
Matty was laughing now right merrily.
"I'm sure," said his master, "Admiral Jacko would make a speech if he could. I must make one in his stead. Well, Miss Matty, I can't help saying what I think, you're just about the sweetest, all-tautest little craft I've seen since I left Venezuela, and if I were not engaged to be married, why—I'd—I'd run my friend aboard, cut him out, and marry you myself."
Matty bent down over Oscar to caress him, but at the same time to hide her blushes.
"Well, I'm going to take Jacko inside," said the Duckling. "I'm sure I shall find something for him to eat, and something to drink."
And away he marched, which was really very kind and thoughtful of him.