But his father at length decided to let him remain at the Vyverberg House, in case the doctor should be detained until after they had sailed.
Eric was a thoughtful, reliable boy, and old enough, his father said, to learn to depend upon himself.
Mrs. Hyde felt some misgivings as to this course at first; but her confidence in Eric was so great, that she soon consented to it, and having once decided in favor of the plan, she would let no thought of it trouble her.
You may be sure that the three children did not need an “early call” in the morning, for they were up and dressed with the daylight, having a romp on their balcony with Froll, who frightened several of the occupants of adjacent rooms by trying to get in at their windows.
Nettie told Eric how Froll had got her into disgrace, the day before, by the same trick.
“I think,” said Eric, “that she must once have belonged to an organ-grinder, and have been taught to climb up for money.”
“Very likely,” said Allan. “But you had better break her of the trick. People, as a general thing, are not fond of the sudden appearance of a black monkey at their chamber windows.”
“Here’s papa!” cried Nettie. “Now for our sail!”
“Isn’t Mrs. Hyde coming?” Allan asked.
“Here she is! Good morning, mamma, and—O, Eric, mind Froll!” cried Nettie; but too late, for Froll had darted from him, and gone in at an open window above.