[CHAPTER XX]
AN EARLY MORNING PRACTICE
Poke possessed the ability to awake in the morning at approximately whatever hour he had decided upon the night before, a most convenient gift that saved the price of an alarm clock. On Saturday Poke made use of this ability and was out of bed long before any one else in the house was stirring and out of the house without having awakened even Gil. It was fortunate that he had put a sweater on under his jacket, for the morning was cloudy and chill as he set off along the road toward the school and the river. But early as he was, Sammy was ahead of him at the boat-house. The latter was just unlocking when Poke arrived, and he displayed an unflattering surprise at his appearance.
“Likely you been up all night,” he said, struggling with a yawn as he ushered Poke into the house.
“Had your breakfast, Sammy?” Poke asked.
“O’ course I have,” replied the boatman indignantly. “Most time for dinner it is now.”
“Wish I had,” sighed Poke. “What’s the smallest and lightest canoe you’ve got, Sammy?”
“I dunno. There’s all kinds here. Take your pick o’ ’em.”