"Yes, Tom," added the doctor. "There are a lot of sailors-to-be until they reach the age of ten, so you won't be lonely."
The merry supper party was now over. Aunt Madge insisted upon helping to clear the table and to dry the dishes. While the three were busily at work, Dr. Anderson and Mr. Quinn went out on the porch, to smoke.
For a few moments the men puffed away in silence. Then Mr. Quinn resumed the subject they had been discussing before supper.
"You say you are having an investigation made, doctor?"
"Yes, Mr. Quinn. Mr. Cameron left instructions to do so before he went to Europe. Some day we may know who Mary Lee's parents were. I feel sure of that."
"I hope so," answered the older man. "She has done so much for other folks, I hope we shall be able to do something worth while for her."
Mr. Quinn continued after a pause.
"Do you know, Dr. Anderson, the child has absolute faith that some day she and her relations, those that are still alive, will be reunited?"
"If that's the case, I think it would not be wise to let Mary Lee know anything of the search that is being made because something might turn up to shatter her hopes."
Mr. Quinn nodded understandingly.