They didn’t mind it at all, only——
“Call it settled then,” interrupted Mr. Cozzens. “We’ve got plenty of cots even if our space is limited. We don’t often entertain a whole ship’s crew, you see. In fact, we’re pretty well out of the way out here on the point, and our friends, all except a few, leave us alone. That’s one reason I built here,” laughed the host. “When summer comes I want a real vacation, and that to me means rest and ease and old clothes.”
“I should think it would be fine here,” said Bob.
“It is; I’m sorry you haven’t seen it in good weather. The next time you’re over this way you must come and see us. Any time from the first of July to the twentieth of September you’ll find us at home. Well, shall we adjourn to the other room and let the lady of the house clear the table?”
Back in the living room Mr. Cozzens picked a pipe from a tray, and began filling it from a big jar of tobacco.
“It was something of an accident that you boys found me at home to-day,” he said thoughtfully. “I’m glad you did, for there isn’t another cottage for nearly a mile. I was going up to New York this morning on business, but when I reached the village I found so much mail to be answered that I postponed the trip.” He paused and smiled. “I was going to look for a boy, and now Fate has presented me with five.”
“How’d I do, sir?” asked Tom promptly.
“I’m afraid you wouldn’t like the job,” laughed Mr. Cozzens. “I’d like to have you, but——”
“Take me, Mr. Cozzens,” interrupted Dan. “I don’t know what the work is, but I’ll bet I can do it.”