“Both boys and dogs can move very rapidly sometimes,” remarked the captain, in reply to the girl. “But don’t be alarmed, Miss Marian, I dare say the beggar has come to no worse harm than a fright sufficient to send him off to get a meal elsewhere. And now, if you please, will you replenish the bread plate? Max is emptying it very fast.”
“Oh, yes, sir, and I hope you will excuse me for neglecting my business,” she answered smilingly, taking up the plate and leaving the room.
“Now, Max, own up that that was you,” said Lulu laughing.
“That what was?” he asked, lifting his eyebrows in mock astonishment. “Do you mean to insinuate that I’m either a beggar or a dog?”
“No,” laughed Lulu merrily, “but you needn’t pretend ignorance; you know well enough what I mean. Well, I shan’t let Marian into the secret if I can help it; for I hope we’ll have some more fun out of it. Papa, it was right good in you not to explain.”
“Was it?” he asked.
But Marian’s entrance with a fresh supply of bread put an end to talk on that subject for the time.
“Papa,” said Lulu, “you haven’t told me yet what we are going to do this afternoon.”
“How would you like to try the pony Mr. Short has engaged for your use while here?” he asked in return.
“Oh, very much, if you will go with me!”