"No, Josiah," he replied. "I'm not here. I'm over in South Harniss all this week. Where are you?"
"Eh?... Where be I?... Say, what——"
"Yes, yes, Josiah, all right. Just keep a weather eye on this post, will you, like a good fellow?"
"On the post? On the horse, you mean?"
"No, I mean on the post. If you don't this—er—camel of mine will eat it. Thanks. Do as much for you some time, Josiah."
He went into the building, leaving the bewildered Josiah in what might be described as a state of mind.
"Is the commodore busy?" he asked of the boy at the desk.
"Yes, he is," replied the boy. "But he won't be very long, I don't think."
"Humph! That's what you don't think, eh? Well, now just between us, what do you think?... Never mind, son, never mind, I'm satisfied if you are. I'll wait. By the way, somebody from my home port is in there with him, I judge."
"Um—hm. Miss Berry, she's there."