"And I am sure neither you nor any of us should, under the care of two such excellent and skilful seamen," added Violet in a sprightly tone.
"That's right and I reckon you may feel pretty safe—all o' you," said the man's voice.
"Of course; who's afraid?" cried the boyish voice, close at Ned's side. "Some of those old Spaniards were drowned in this gulf, but that was because they knew nothing about managing a vessel."
"Oh, yes!" exclaimed Ned, "but my father does know how, and so does brother Max."
"That's a mighty good thing," said the voice, "and we needn't fear shipwreck, but can just devote ourselves to having a good time."
"So we can," said Ned. "And we do have good times here in the Dolphin. Anybody is pretty sure of good times when papa is at the head of affairs."
"Quite a complimentary speech from my little son," laughed the captain.
"And where are you going in this Dolphin?" asked the voice.
"To New Orleans, then to Berwick Bay and on through the lakes and bayous to my grandma's place—Viamede. I've been there before and it's just beautiful."
"Then I'd like to go too," said the voice. "Won't you take me along?"