Then Kep came blushing up, and Guilford shook him squarely by the hand. This is young Charlie Bowser, Dr. McTavish. He is down in the play bills as Gerald Montmorency.
"I say, Charlie, can you come off to-morrow evening? I'll send a boat."
"It must be at nine then, sir, after I get done here."
Charlie alias Kep, or Gerald Montmorency, did come off, and great things happened. He didn't get home till twelve, but that really didn't matter.
He made an impression again, for he was not only a freak with the piccolo, but the piano also, and he was a marvel from a linguistic point of view.
Just before he left he had another interview with Lieutenant Guilford.
"I've spoken to our Captain," he said, "and if you are still of the same mind I can get you a berth. Can you play in our little band?
"I can lead, but would rather not join the Service, sir, to be rated as a bandsman. But," he added quickly, "it is the dream of my life to be in this same beautiful ship. Oh, I shed tears, sir, when you sailed past and left me on the Hoe. Yet I leave myself entirely in your hands." He was smiling merrily as he added, "I can clean knives and boots, sir."
"Your name isn't Bowser."
"It must remain so."