[CHAPTER XVI]
AN AFTERNOON AFLOAT
Mr. Pennimore was awaiting them on the broad, red-tiled terrace outside the library. He had a pleasant smile and a firm hand-clasp for the visitor.
“Well, Dan, I’m glad to see you,” he said. “You don’t look as though you had been damaged much by your adventure. Where do you get that color in your cheeks? I wish my boy looked as healthy as you do.” He glanced from one face to the other and shook his head. “Gerald looks like a city boy beside you. What’s the secret, Dan?”
“Just being out of doors a lot, sir, I guess,” was the reply.
“But so is Gerald,” said Mr. Pennimore.
“Yes, but he doesn’t get the exercise I do,” Dan laughed. “He needs to play football and get his blood circulating.”
“Circulating out through his nose?” asked Mr. Pennimore dryly.
“Oh, we don’t get hurt much, sir. And, anyway, we don’t mind a few knocks. It makes it more fun.”
“Really. Well, everyone to his taste! But I don’t think Gerald would take kindly to having his teeth knocked out or—”