“So do we,” came a united and positive chorus, “Washington, D. C., and Eagle Bay. He lives right next door to us in a cave on an island.”
“God bless my heart and soul,” exclaimed the Admiral, and he took off his glasses to wipe them, as he always did when he was startled. “I am sure I have never been surprised but twice in twenty years. Once when Welcome marched forcibly into my study and placed this person with the freckles in my arms, and again to-day. And yet it may be true. It is quite like Penrhyn to do such a thing. For a man in his sixty-sixth year he is the most irresponsible, child-like creature I ever knew. Polly, did you say orange marmalade?”
Polly nodded her head emphatically.
“He’s had six jars out of the ten we brought with us,” she replied, solemnly. “Aunty declares it can’t hurt him one bit, but we don’t believe he eats it himself. We think he uses it as bait to catch—what is it, girls?”
“Polypi,” supplemented Ruth. “Polypi.”
More than one in the holiday crowd turned at the hearty laugh that broke from the group around the stately old Admiral. And suddenly the girls saw a figure approaching, whose white suit of flannel and white yachting cap, they recognized at once.
“Admiral,” the Doctor fairly beamed as he put out his hand. “I salute you.” He smiled his slow, dry smile that only drew down the corners of his mouth, and stretched his dimples more, Polly declared. The Admiral gripped his hand warmly.
“Polly, my dear, we went to college together,” he exclaimed. “Didn’t we, Penny? Some day when you girls meet one another, and have grandchildren beside you, perhaps you’ll look back and understand how we two old fellows feel this minute; eh, Doctor? I think if I took a deep breath I could give the grand old yell yet.”
“Don’t,” cautioned the Doctor. “It won’t do in Eastport. Polly would hand us over to the authorities without a qualm. You don’t know how she rules us.”
“Oh, yes, I do,” said the Admiral, merrily. “I’ve heard reports of it already.”