Mose was so relieved to find them all safe at home that the unusually wide grin on his generous mouth almost met at the back of his round head and elicited a warning from the Captain:
“Take care, Mose, the top of your head will come off!”
The whole thrilling tale of the adventure was told Mose while they all sat about the supper-table, and many were the interruptions in the telling as one or another boy remembered a detail of that chase and capture.
While waiting for dessert, the boys nodded and dozed, and finally, Fred yawned and got up from the table.
“Say, Mose, I’m so tired my jaws won’t move! Keep my dish of pudding for breakfast.”
When the other boys followed Fred’s action, Mose could hardly believe his eyes and ears—not wait for their favourite pudding!
The next morning Anna appeared with her charge, Teddy. “I got a letter from your mother yesterday that she’ll be home soon, so I thought I’d better come over and help Mose clear away the too-apparent traces of your ‘bachelor-hall.’”
Although the boys would not admit it, they were glad to see little Teddy and Anna again, and Fred picked up his brother and carried him off for the time the governess was occupied in helping Mose.
As they worked, Mose remarked: “‘Deed Ah t’ink it’s high time d’ Missus is comin’ home. Ah tek notice dat none ob dese ’ructions ob bein’ pirates er shootin’ thieves happen when she’s heah!”
“I agree with you there, Mose, but I think we’re lucky to have any Islanders sound and alive to meet her at the homecoming,” added Anna, with a sigh.