"No, darling, you are too tired and sleepy to get any good from the service. I see your eyes can hardly keep themselves open."
"I believe they can't, and I shall be so glad to go right to my nice bed," she returned sleepily, pushing the kitten gently from her.
So she was lifted to her father's knee and Lulu sent for her night dress.
In a few minutes she was resting peacefully in her bed, while the captain and Lulu went down hand in hand to the library, where they found Max sitting alone, reading.
He closed his book as they entered, rose and wheeled an easy chair nearer the fire for his father, who took it with a pleasant "Thank you, my son," and drew Lulu to a seat upon his knee. "What were you reading, Max?" he asked.
"'Story of United States Navy for Boys,'" answered the lad. "Papa would you be willing for me to go into the navy?"
"If you have a strong inclination for the life, my boy, I shall throw no obstacle in your way."
"Thank you, sir; I sometimes think I should like it, yet I'm not quite sure I'd rather be there than anywhere else."
"You must be quite sure of your inclination before we move in the matter," returned his father.
"Is there something you would prefer for me, papa?" asked Max.