"And you heard him, and know also."
When Captain Patterdale had private business with a visitor, and he wished any member of his own family to retire, he always asked which way the wind was.
"Don John, you had a great success in the launch of the Maud to-day," said the nabob; but as the same thing had been said half a dozen times before since the boat-builder entered the room, it was hardly to be regarded as an original idea; and Donald was satisfied that the launch was not the business upon which he had been sent for.
"Yes, sir; we got her off very well," he replied. "I was sorry I couldn't launch her with the mast stepped, so as to dress her in the colors."
"In that case, you would have needed the flags of all nations. I have them, and will lend them to you any time when you wish to make a sensation."
"Thank you, sir."
"I have here the white cross of Denmark," added the captain, holding up the mended bill.
"A fifty-dollar white-cross," laughed Donald. "I have seen it before."
"This bill?"
"Yes, sir; I paid it to Mr. Leach for the Maud's sails since dark," answered Donald, so squarely that the nabob could not help looking at his daughter and smiling.