“I cannot assert positively that they did, sir,” returned Hunt, “but they seemed to come from an invisible speaker, and knowing you to be a ventriloquist, we think it can all be accounted for in that way.”
“Knowing me to be a ventriloquist, eh, laddie! And may I ask how you came by that same knowledge?”
“Through our friend, a naval cadet like ourselves, Mr. Max Raymond, sir. Do not be vexed with him for telling us. It has excited our admiration and desire to make your acquaintance.”
“Ah, Master Max, so you have been letting these young gentlemen into my secrets?” Mr. Lilburn said, turning toward Max in pretended wrath.
“Yes, sir,” replied Max in cheerful tones, “and the more you show them of your skill in that line the better they will be pleased.”
Just then Max’s dog Prince joined the group, wagging his tail and lifting joyful eyes to his young master’s face.
“Ah, how d’ye do, Prince?” said Max, stroking and patting him. “Are you glad to see me here again?”
“Yes, sir, indeed I am,” were the words that seemed to come in reply from the dog’s lips; “and I wish you’d go back with us when we steam away in this vessel for home.”
“Why, Prince, you talk well indeed for a dog,” laughed Hunt, stroking and patting Prince’s head.
At that instant there was a frightened cry, “Oh, sic’ a fall as I shall hae!” followed instantly by a sound as of the plunge of a heavy body from the side of the vessel into the water.