"The captain says he can safely carry ten persons without crowding, Harriet," the Chief Guardian informed her. Then turning to the captain, "This young lady has been placed in charge of the boat by Mr. McCarthy; of course, your judgment as to what is best for all concerned must prevail."
Captain Billy's whiskers bristled. He swept the Meadow-Brook Girl with a quick, measuring glance, then permitted his eyes to gaze upward again.
"I was going to suggest, Mrs. Livingston, that we first take you and the other guardians out for a sail, say to-morrow morning. I don't think the captain will wish to go out in the evening," said Harriet.
He shook his head.
"Certainly not," declared Mrs. Livingston. "And now, sir, what about your meals—the board for yourself and your man?"
"Get my own. He goes away early in the morning. Sleep on board, too. You needn't worry about me. Got any gear you want to get aboard?"
"Gear?" questioned the Chief Guardian blankly.
"Dunnage?" nodded the skipper. "Anything you want to bring aboard?" he shouted.
"No, thank you, nothing at present," answered Harriet.
"Man will fetch it off before he goes away if there is. Don't ask me to do any packing."