"There is the dock. We will be off within fifteen minutes now. You must allow me to conduct you to the consul's office; I know him very well," said the captain.
As the vessel touched the dock the captain turned to the boys, and said with a wicked grin on his face: "Get your luggage, boys, and come on."
The boys laughed at the remark. "For my part," answered Ralph, "I had forgotten that there was such a thing as luggage, or baggage, or anything of that sort."
"Ralph! Ralph! who is that coming across the dock? Look! it is just like father! I believe it is!" almost shrieked Alfred.
"It is! yes; I am sure of it; and there is mother, too," replied Ralph, now all excitement.
"Of course, they are there; I knew it; I told you it would be all right," said the captain with a jubilant voice.
The boys glanced at the captain, and Ralph turned his head slyly, as he said: "And did you know they were here?"
"Well, I think they got my message this morning," replied the captain with a laugh. "Where is your father; point him out," said the captain to Alfred.
"The tall man with the gray overcoat; do you see him coming?—and there is mother, too," shouted Alfred.
The boys were the first ones down the plank, closely followed by the captain, the passengers standing by and witnessing the reunion of the families.