"To-morrow is my birthday," she said, superfluously.
"My big girl," smiled the Captain, "you make me feel old, Judy mine."
She smiled back, abstractedly. "Are—are you going to give me a present, father?" she stammered.
It was a queer question, and the Captain was not sure that he liked it.
Birthday presents were not to be talked about beforehand.
"Of course I am," he said, finally. "Why?"
"Will it—cost—as much as—Launcelot's cow?" asked Judy, still blushing.
"As Launcelot's cow?"
He stared at her. "Why do you want to know?" he asked.
"Well," she patted his coat collar, coaxingly, "I want you to give me the money, and let me buy back the McSwiggins cow.
"I'll buy it myself."