“You’re not a good namer,” replied Bee firmly. “Jack Herrick can mend an engine and run it. Any fellow who can do that can find a right name, Hal. We will go after the Crystal Spring and demand a name for your launch.”
But the Crystal Spring wasn’t to be found, although the launch went up the harbor and back again. Then, as it was getting toward five o’clock they decided to give up the search and seek the landing.
“Tomorrow,” said Bee, “is Sunday. We will go over in the morning and call on Jack Herrick. Meanwhile the launch must wait for a name.”
“I like Sea Spray,” said Hal.
“I’m glad you do,” laughed Bee. “You got quite a lot of it!”
“Or, maybe, Mermaid,” added Hal.
“Mermaid! That’s a punk name! You might as well call it—call it—” Bee searched wildly for a simile—“call it Annabel Lee!”
“Who’s Annabel Lee?” asked Hal.
“I don’t know. It’s just a—a name, I guess; I mean, I cal’ate; nothing like speaking the language of the people you’re with.”
“We don’t say ‘cal’ate’,” protested Hal. “We talk just as good English as you Pennsylvania Dutch do!”