“I’d swim ashore, I hope,” laughed Jeff.
“Really? Can you swim with—with those?” Gil was looking at the crutches.
“No, I usually leave these behind when I go in swimming,” replied Jeffrey with a smile. “Swim is one thing I can do fairly well, Gil. Funny, though, isn’t it? I suppose I do most of it with my good leg, although I seem to get some push with the other, too. If we upset, you look after yourself; don’t worry about me; I dare say I’d be ashore as soon as you.”
“Here he is!” cried Poke in the doorway. He had Jim by the coat collar. “Now apologize to Mr. Latham for so rudely refusing his kind invitation!”
“I apologize,” laughed Jim.
“Then you’ll go with us?” cried Jeffrey.
Jim hesitated. “I oughtn’t to,” he began.
“Oh, feathers!” said Poke, giving him a shake. “Of course you’ll come. What have you got to do here, I’d like to know?”
“Lots of things; lay a carpet, for one.”