“And such a feast as papa has provided for us!” he went on. “How the fellows will enjoy it!”
“I think you must have been interviewing Christine and the cook, Max,” laughed his father.
“Yes, sir, so I have; you see I feel free to do pretty much as I please in my own father’s house; at least as regards going up and down, and in and out, from garret to cellar, looking at whatever’s going on and asking questions.”
“That’s right,” returned the captain heartily. “Where should a boy feel at home if not in his father’s house?”
“Nowhere, I should say,” answered Max. “And you’ve provided so many amusements for us that I don’t see how it’ll be possible for any one of us to have a dull moment.”
“And am I not to have an invitation to share them with you, Max?” asked the captain.
“Oh, will you, papa? will you really join in our games?” cried the boy, his eyes sparkling with pleasure. “Why, that’ll be perfectly splendid!”
“Possibly the ‘other fellows’ may be of a different opinion,” laughed his father.
“If they are at first, I’m sure they’ll change their minds when they find out what good company you are, sir,” returned Max. “And O, papa, won’t you tell us some of your sailor’s yarns, as you call them?”
“Perhaps, if other amusements fail.”