“My word, David, what an awful thought!”
“I think the plans are gone for good, Dulcie, but if they are, I’m not going to crab over it. My luck holds yet. Nothing can ever take away from me the fact that I have been captain of the Moonbeam. I have learned a lot, and I have made some good friends.”
“I come in there, Davie,” said Dulcie decidedly.
David flushed, then looked at her squarely. “You are the best of all, Dulcie. The best little pal; the truest, squarest kid. All I hope is that you won’t forget me when we get back to Ayre.”
“Don’t you worry,” Dulcie said grimly. “You can’t escape, poor dear! I’m a big, rough woman, Davie. Didn’t you see daddy, all six-feet-three of him, trying to sneak off in the Moonbeam without me? What happened, I ask you?”
David laughed. “Gosh, you would have scared anyone.”
“Well, then, have another cup of tea, to celebrate.”
As he reached for the cup, Dulcie pointed to his palm. “What’s that blue smudge?” she asked.
“Off an indelible pencil,” David answered carelessly.
“Oh, won’t it come off? Wally has one on his hand, too. He asked me what would take it off.”