"Good-morning, papa," he cried. "You too, Lulu. Ahead of me as usual, I see!"
"Yes," the captain said, reaching out a hand to grasp the lad's and gazing with fatherly affection and pride into the handsome young face glowing with health and happiness, "she is the earliest young bird in the family nest. However, she seeks her roost earlier than her brother does his."
"Yes; and I am not so very late, am I, sir?"
"No, my boy, I do not suppose you have taken any more sleep than you need for your health and growth; and I certainly would not have you do with less."
"I know you wouldn't, papa; such a good, kind father as you are," responded Max. "I wouldn't swap fathers with any other boy," he added, with a look of mingled fun and affection.
"Nor would I exchange my son for any other; not even a better one," returned the captain laughingly, tightening his clasp of the sturdy brown hand he held.
"I haven't heard yet the story of yesterday's success in boating and fishing; come sit down here by my side and let me have it."
Max obeyed, nothing loath, for he was becoming quite expert in both, and always found in his father an interested listener to the story of his exploits.
He and the other lads had returned from their camping at the time of the removal of the family party from 'Sconset to Nantucket Town.
On the conclusion of his narrative the captain pronounced it breakfast time, and they returned to the house.