"Don't be after tellin' me thot they're the byes what saved Frank," he said at last.
"But they are," the captain assured him.
Without a word the small man threw his arms about Bob's neck and gave him a hearty hug at the same time kissing him on both cheeks. Then, releasing him he gave Jack the same treatment.
"The store's yer's, the house's yer's, bless me heart the whale blamed town's yer's, yes wid all uv Canada throwed in," he cried. Then turning to the people who were standing looking wonderingly on, he shouted: "Did yer hear ut? These be the byes whot saved Cap'n Frank whin his ship went down. What yer standin' thar fer loike a lot uv dummies? Come up here forninst and shake hands wid 'em ivery mother's son uv yer."
The people needed no second invitation and in another moment the boys were busy shaking hands and murmuring their thanks.
"Now git out uv here all uv yees an' let me talk wid me friends," the storekeeper ordered and the boys were amazed at the meekness and celerity with which the order was obeyed.
"Don't let us interfere with your business," Bob said.
"Interfere nuttin'. They'll all be back inside an hour," the man assured him as he led the way back to one corner of the store which was fitted up as an office. "Sit down wid yer an' tell me all about it," he ordered.
Bob gave him an account of the wreck keeping himself and Jack out of it as much as he could and when he had finished the storekeeper turned to Captain Blake and said:
"'Tis modest they are as well as brave an' thot's a mighty good combination let me tell yer. I've heard uv thim Canucks down toward Seattle whot took Frank an' the byes in but I've niver seen 'em. Believe me, they're goin' ter git a good presint from old Pete. Can't yer see I'm busy the minute?" This last was shouted at a man who had just come in the store and was noisily drumming on the counter in an effort to attract attention. Without a word he turned and went out.