"It's father," almost screamed Laurel, "and he has had his hair cut and his beard taken off! Doesn't he look lovely!"
"It can't be," Cora said hesitatingly. "That man is so young!"
"He's my dear father, just the same," declared the delighted girl, hurrying from the boat up to the bungalow.
The man did not turn his head to greet her, but she was not to be deceived by his little ruse. "What a surprise!" she exclaimed. "I scarcely knew you."
"But you did know me," he replied, with a happy smile. "I feel years and years younger, my dear."
"Indeed you look it," Cora said. "I wonder how you ever hid such good looks."
The nurse was fetching the beef tea, Paul took the cup from her hand. Jack made a wry face at Laurel, indicating that they would have to watch Paul and the pretty new nurse. Then he took the chair nearest Mr. Starr. The can of "red paint" had been safely hidden in a locker of the Petrel.
"Your friend has been telling me the wonders of his fast boat," began Mr. Starr to Jack, speaking of Paul.
"Yes. This is the young man who is employed by Brendon Breslin,"
Jack replied.
"Employed by Brendon Breslin!" exclaimed Mr. Starr. "Is Mr. Breslin around here?"