“Thank you, sir; but I do not want to intrude. You must excuse me for coming aboard, but I wanted a sail and thought my weight wouldn’t retard the boat. I’ll pay for my passage if you say so.”
The speaker continued invisible, though every word was distinctly heard.
“Then do so by giving us a sight of your face,” returned Captain Raymond.
“It is not covered, sir, and you are all welcome to look your fill,” was the reply.
“Where is de mans, papa?” asked little Ned, gazing wonderingly about.
“Sitting in Cousin Ronald’s chair, I think,” replied his father, smoothing the curls of the little prattler, who was seated upon his knee.
“No, papa, dat Tousin Ronald.”
“Well, then, perhaps it was Brother Max.”
“No, papa, Bruver Maxie not talk dat way. Does oo, Maxie?”
“I think not, Neddie boy,” returned Max, smiling on the baby boy and giving his round rosy cheek an affectionate pat.