CHAPTER XI
Albert read the name on the card. He was too astonished to speak. Her father! He was here! He—
His grandfather spoke again, and his tone was brisk and businesslike.
“Go on, Al,” he ordered. “Out through this side door and around to the front. Lively, son, lively!”
But the young man's wits were returning. He scowled at the card.
“No,” he said stoutly, “I'm not going to run away. I'm not afraid of him. I haven't done anything to be ashamed of.”
The captain nodded. “If you had, I should ASK you to run away,” he said. “As it is, I just ask you to step out and wait a little while, that's all.”
“But, Grandfather, I WANT to see him.”
“All right, I want you to—but not until he and I have talked first. Come, boy, come! I've lived a little longer than you have, and maybe I know about half as much about some things. This is one of 'em. You clear out and stand by. I'll call you when I want you.”