What could I say; except to announce delight at the addition to our party? Perhaps I did not say it as heartily as I might, for, Miss Colton, who was regarding me with a mischievous smile, observed demurely:
“I am sure he must be delighted, Father. Mr. Paine knows I am very fond of fishing; don't you, Mr. Paine?”
“Yes; oh, yes, of course,” I stammered.
“He does, eh!” Her father seemed surprised. “How did he find that out?”
I thought the question was addressed to her, so I did not answer. She seemed to think otherwise, for she said:
“Did you hear, Mr. Paine? Father asks how you knew I was fond of fishing.”
“Why—er—you told me so, Miss Colton,” I replied. If she had not related her Seabury Pond experience to her parents I did not propose to be trapped into doing so. She laughed merrily.
“Did I?” she asked. “Yes, I believe I did.”
Mr. Colton looked at us, each in turn.
“Humph!” he observed; “I don't seem to be aboard this train. What's the joke?”