"Why, so you can!" exclaimed Ned, stroking and patting him. "And I'm glad to have you talk just as much as you will."
"Thank you, little master; you're very good to me," was the reply.
"Now, Tiny, it is your turn," said Elsie to her pet. "I hope you think you are having a good time here on this yacht?"
"Yes, indeed I do," was the reply. "But where are we going?"
"To Viamede; a beautiful place in Louisiana. And you shall run about over the velvety, flower-spangled lawn, and climb the trees, if you want to, and pick some oranges and bananas for yourself, and have ever such a good time."
"That's nice! Shall my brother Tee-tee have a good time with me, too?"
"Yes, if you both promise not to run away and leave us."
"We'd be very foolish tee-tees if we did."
"So I think," laughed Elsie, affectionately stroking and patting Tiny.