157“It makes one’s mouth water,” said Teddy, who claimed to be an expert where food was concerned.
“I can’t wait,” declared Bill. “I wish Mark had wings.”
“He doesn’t need them,” replied Lester, looking out of the door, “for here he comes now.”
The boys ran out to greet the returning master of the house, who had rounded the point into the sheltered bay and was fast approaching the beach. He had already noticed the two boats lying side by side and surmised that he had visitors. He looked at the boys curiously and waved his hand to Lester in friendly fashion.
Then his boat claimed all his attention. With surprising agility for one so old, he did all that was necessary to lay it up snugly for the night. Then he clambered into a small rowboat that trailed at the stern, loosed the rope that held it and with a few deft pulls at the oars rowed in until he grounded on the beach. The boys ran forward and drew the boat far up on the sands above the high water mark, while Lester shook hands with the newcomer.
“How are you, Mark?” he said heartily.
“How be yer, Les?” responded the other with no less cordiality, “an’ how’s yer pa?”
“Dad’s all right and so am I,” was the answer. “You see I’ve brought a bunch of my friends over to see you.”
“I take it kindly of yer,” said Mark. “I get a 158 leetle lonesome here all by myself, an’ it heartens me up a bit ter git a sight of young critters. Out on a fishin’ trip, I s’pose?”
The boys had crowded round them by this time, and Lester introduced them to the old fisherman, who shook hands heartily, albeit rather awkwardly.