Harry breathed a sigh of ecstasy and forgot then and there that the Poet had ever been a dentist.
“Then you’re just camping out?” asked Dick curiously.
Mr. Noon waved a slice of bread airily and smiled gently across the twilight water.
“I am combining business with pleasure, sir. After the day’s work is over I am the owner of the yacht Minerva, taking a pleasure cruise down the Hudson River. During the day I am an agent for the enlightenment of mankind and more especially for Billings’ ‘Wonders of the Deep.’”
“You’re a book agent!” exclaimed Dick.
Mr. Noon bowed.
“Right the first time! Although I prefer the word canvasser. I am selling sets of Billings’ great work, I may say his masterpiece—”
“Seth Billings!” cried Chub.
“On the contrary, I believe his given name is Horace,” replied Mr. Noon. Whereupon they explained about the words found on the back of the slip of paper and their interpretation of them. Mr. Noon found this interesting and amusing, but not enough so to divert his attention from the supper. Harry pressed preserves and cake on him and he politely helped himself generously.