Frank's most interesting bit of news was embodied in the following words:
"I've been reading Robinson Crusoe," he said, "and I'd like to be a sailor. And what do you think?"
"I couldn't guess," said Fred. "Toddie, put the helm down a bit, the wind is shifting."
They had a sail on the cobble, and Toddie was bravely steering.
"Well, my mother has bought me a nice boat, and we are to keep it here in a boat-house. The boat is higher in the sides than this."
"Higher free-board," said Fred.
"And not quite so wide."
"Bloader in the beam oo means to say," said Toddie with a slight curl on her lip.
"How do you know all that, Toddie?" said Frank.
"Hush!" cried Toddie. "Tan't oo see I'se steeling [steering]. Oo must not talk to the man at the wheel."