"As purse-bearer?" he asked, with a smile. "I shall certainly be that, and ready to exercise my taste as regards the choice of the goods."
"And I may be the housekeeper here on the Dolphin while you are away on your pleasant errands, I suppose," said Grace.
"Yes, if you like, daughter," returned the captain; and Harold added, "And I as your assistant, if you are willing to make use of me."
"To see to it that she does not overwork herself," said the captain.
"And what may Chester and I be allowed to do?" queried Max.
"To keep them company,—if they desire it,—manage the vessel, and keep the children out of mischief, especially from falling overboard, and entertained in harmless ways."
"I think we can do all that," said Max; "but how long do you expect to be absent, father? Are we to lie still in the harbor here till you return?"
"Just as you please," said his father. "If you choose to steam along the shores, out into the ocean or up the river, you have full liberty to do so. All I ask is that you take good care of the children and the vessel."
"Well, sir, I think that with Chester's and Harold's help I can engage to do all that," laughed Max. "Don't you think so, lads?" turning first to one, then to the other of the young men.