"Are you deaf, young man?"
"No, sir; not at all."
"Then you heard me say he was not at home," growled Sykes.
"I want to see him very much. Will he be long away?" asked Donald.
"I can't tell you. He won't come back till he gets ready, if it isn't for a month."
"Of course not; but I should like to know when I can probably see him."
"You can probably see him when he comes home. He started in his boat for Vinal Haven early this morning."
"This morning?" repeated Donald, who wished to be sure on this point.
"Didn't I say so? This morning. He comes back when he pleases."
"When do you expect him?"