This surprised the Captain somewhat, for he thought she would not like being left behind, and would have looked at all events a trifle cross.
But, seeing how she took the matter, the old sailor’s mind was immensely relieved.
“Well then,” he cried smiling, with his eyes blinking and winking away, “the sooner we’re off, why the sooner we’ll be back. Hullo, though, I’ve forgotten the hamper! Run up, Dick, and fetch it down here.”
Off scampered the lad, coming back quickly with the hamper, which he placed carefully by Mrs Gilmour’s side.
“There ma’am,” said Captain Dresser, “you can look after the luncheon while we’re away. Come along, boys—hi, Rover!”
“Oh, please leave him behind,” implored Nellie. “We want him.”
“What, who?” asked the Captain. “Dick or the dog?”
“Rover,” replied Nellie promptly. “He’ll protect us in your absence in case anything happens.”
“What’s that, eh!” quizzed the old sailor. “I suppose you’re thinking again of those ferocious wild animals you encountered awhile ago, eh, missy?”
“It’s a shame, auntie, for the Captain to tease me so!” exclaimed Nellie, as the chaffy old gentleman went off chuckling, followed by Master Bob and Dick, the three soon disappearing amidst the greenery. “Never mind, though, I have got you, my good doggie; and I shan’t forget how you came to my help, nor how glad I was to catch hold of your poor tail, you dear Rover, when you dragged me out of that horrid hole!”