"Royal!" he called in answer. "As I live, our own little Royal!"
"Well," gasped Neal, attempting to get his greeting in. "Isn't this rather a surprise?"
"I should say so," answered his friend. "However did our bonny boy turn up here? I have burned out my wireless trying to get a word about him. Mrs. Alton is almost ill again worrying. Where have you been?" He was looking over the child with a familiar and critical eye.
"I've been in the woods with Kitty, rolling in the mud and sleeping in a tree hammock," announced the boy proudly. "And, please, Ricky, I'm going to take Kitty home with me. She hasn't any nice girl's things in the woods."
Mrs. Philow and Leonore were standing waiting for an opportunity to extend hospitality.
"This young man just came to take a peek at his old room, Grace," the mother explained. "You see, he is the Mr. Gordon we have been hearing about, and now to think everybody knows everybody—"
Leonore was blushing prettily. Neal had stepped aside to speak with her. No doubt, he was praising the running of his launch, and inviting her to try it.
Kitty edged up to Royal and pinched his fat little leg. "You're not going to give me up, are you?" she said timidly.
"Nopy-nope!" answered Royal. "You must come too. Ricky, where is mother? Take me to her."
"I am going to do just that," replied the good-looking sailor.