They walked all that afternoon. Captain Cy was even more kind and gentle with his small companion than usual. He told her stories which made her laugh, pointed out spots in the pines where he had played Indian when a boy, carried her “pig back” when she grew tired, and kissed her tenderly when, at the back door of the Whittaker place, he set her on her feet again.
“Had a good time, dearie?” he asked.
“Oh, splendid! I think it's the best walk we ever had, don't you, Uncle Cy?”
“I shouldn't wonder. You won't forget our cruises together when you are a big girl and off somewheres else, will you?”
“I'll NEVER forget 'em. And I'm never going anywhere without you.”
It was after five as they entered the kitchen.
“Anybody been here while I was out?” asked the captain of Georgianna. The housekeeper's eyes were red and swollen, and she hugged Bos'n as she helped her off with her jacket and hood.
“Yes, there has,” was the decided answer. “First Ase Tidditt, and then Bailey Bangs, and then that—that Angie Phinney.”
“Humph!” mused Captain Cy slowly. “So Angie was here, was she? Where the carcass is the vultures are on deck, or words similar. Humph! Did our Angelic friend have much to say?”
“DID she? And I had somethin' to say, too! I never in my life!”