"But that will make us late for lessons, papa," suggested Max.
"Which I will excuse for once," returned his father with an indulgent smile.
CHAPTER XVI.
Day had fully dawned before the Woodburn household was astir, and it was long past his accustomed hour when the captain paid his usual morning visit to his little daughters.
He found them up and dressed and ready with a glad greeting.
"Were you able to sleep, my darlings?" he asked, caressing them in turn.
"Oh yes, indeed, papa, we slept nicely," they answered.
"And feel refreshed and well this morning?"
"Yes, papa; thank you very much for letting us sleep so long."
"I allowed myself the same privilege," he said pleasantly. "We will have no school to-day, I have already been notified that there will be a preliminary examination of the prisoners, before the magistrate this morning, and that you, Lulu, and Max and I must attend as witnesses."