“I should like that!” I answered, eagerly.
“Then the second p’int’s settled. There’s only one more. The ‘Flipper’ is lyin’ in the harbor at ’Frisco. When shall we join her, lad?”
“I’m ready now, sir.”
“Good. I’ve ordered a wagon to carry us over to the railroad station at four o’clock, so ye see I had a pretty good idea beforehand what sort o’ stuff Mary’s boy was made of. Now let’s go to dinner.”
CHAPTER IV
I SHIP ABOARD THE “FLIPPER.”
When the two-seated spring wagon drew up before the tavern door quite a crowd of idle villagers assembled to see us off, and among them I noticed my father’s old sailor, Ned Britton. Uncle Naboth climbed aboard at once, but I stayed to shake the hands held out to me and to thank the Batteraft people for their hearty wishes for my future prosperity. I think they were sorry to see me go, and I know I felt a sudden pang of regret at parting from the place where I had lived so long and the simple villagers who had been my friends.
When at last I mounted to the rear seat of the wagon and sat beside my uncle, I was astonished to find Ned Britton established beside the driver.
“Are you going with us?” I asked.
The sailor nodded.