The Petersons' house was as neat and cosy as hands could make it. A spacious verandah swept the front and south end of the building. Over this clambered a luxuriant growth of grape vines. Here Captain Peterson was lying in a large invalid's chair, puffing away at a short-stemmed corn-cob pipe. He was surprised to see Lois back so soon, and he looked with curiosity upon Jasper, wondering where he had come from.
"Couldn't leave us, eh?" he questioned, as he gazed with admiration upon the bright, animated face before him.
"No, I had to come back," Lois laughingly replied. "Your company is so attractive that I could not resist the temptation of bringing another to enjoy it. This is Mr. Jasper Randall, Captain Peterson. He has come to see you on special business."
"Glad to see you, sir," and the captain reached out his hand. "Have a chair; there's one right there. Do ye smoke?"
"Oh, yes," and Jasper thrust his hand at once into his pocket. "Do you mind?" he asked, turning toward Lois.
"Not at all," was the reply. "But you two smoke to your hearts' content while I have a chat with Mrs. Peterson. I suppose she's in the house, Captain?"
"Yes, in the kitchen. At least, I heard her there a short time ago."
Lois was absent for about twenty minutes and when she returned the two men were talking in the most friendly manner.
"This is the first good chat I've had with a man for a long time," the captain told her. "He has made me feel better already."
"I hope he hasn't forgotten the object of his visit in listening to your sea yarns," Lois laughingly replied.