"My darling Maud?" he exclaimed, caressing her fondly. "Thank Heaven I have you back again! Where is Mr. Burton?"
"My name is Robert Burton," said Bob, modestly.
"What, a boy!" exclaimed Mr. Pearson, in amazement. "I supposed the person who telegraphed me was a man."
"He's a nice boy," said Maud, putting her hand confidingly in Bob's.
"I am sure of it," said Mr. Pearson, cordially, grasping the hand of our hero.
"And he's a funny boy," continued Maud, pointing out Clip.
"Yah, yah!" laughed Clip, with a broad grin on his shining face.
"Clip is a companion of mine," explained Bob, "and we came down the river together."
"I am glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Clip," said Mr. Pearson, smiling, and taking Clip by the hand.
"Yah, yah!" laughed the delighted Clip.