Captain Jeremy came and shook hands with them.
"Hullo," he said, "what's the matter with you?"
"It's their tonsils," said Marian. "They've just had them out, and of course they're a little pulled down."
Captain Jeremy examined them thoughtfully.
Cuthbert liked him, and so did Doris.
"What you want," he said, "is a trip with me. That would soon set you up again."
Gwendolen and Marian had gone off to play, so Cuthbert and Doris had him to themselves.
"I should like it very much," said Cuthbert.
"So should I," said Doris, "but I'm afraid Mummy wouldn't let me go."
"I see," said the Captain. "Well, I'm off next week to Port Jacobson in the Arctic Circle. But you wouldn't be able to go to school next term if you came with me, because I shan't be back till the middle of May."