“Now, if I remember right, the Americans didn’t always whip in that war either on land or on water,” said Albert.
“No, not always,” acknowledged Max, “but a good many times; and the war accomplished what we went into it for: putting a stop to their insolent claim to a right to search our vessels, and their impressment of our seamen.”
“Was that mentioned and given up in the treaty of peace?”
“No,” acknowledged Max, “but they haven’t tried it since, and they’d better not, as I guess they know.”
“Perhaps you mightn’t have fared so well if we hadn’t had another war on our hands at the same time,” retorted Albert.
But just here the talk was interrupted by Captain Raymond and Mr. Austin joining them, the former coming from his interview with Mrs. McAlpine in the sitting-room, the latter entering from the street.
CHAPTER XIV.
“Can’t we go to our own rooms now, papa?” asked Lulu, when their English friends had bidden good-night and gone.
“Yes,” he said, taking her hand and leading the way, Max following not at all unwillingly.
“I suppose you want to finish your letter now, Lulu?” the captain said, as they entered his bedroom, which they made their sitting-room also when desirous of being quite to themselves.