So there you have a true story of the great sea-serpent, but I am utterly at a loss to describe to you the jollity and fun and laughing that ensued, as soon as the ridiculous mistake was discovered.
And nothing would suit Ted Wilson but getting up on the top of the bowsprit and shouting,—
“Men of the Arrandoon, bold sailors all, three cheers for the great sea-serpent. Hip! hip! hip! Hurrah!!!”
Down below dived Ralph, followed by all the others. “Peter! Peter! Peter!” he cried.
“Ay, ay, sir,” from Peter.
“Peter, I’m precious hungry.”
“And so am I,” said everybody.
Peter wasn’t long in laying the cloth and bringing out the cold meat and the pickles, and it wasn’t long either before Freezing Powders brought hot coffee. Oh! didn’t they do justice to the good things, too!
“I dare say,” said the doctor, “this is our breakfast.”
“Ridiculous!” cried Ralph, “ridiculous! It’s only a late supper, doctor. We’ll have breakfast just the same.”