Tommy stared vacantly at his peculiar companion, and wondered silently if he had gone mad. Pretty soon the ex-Pirate said,
"Let's go."
"Where?"
"On board the Ark."
"How shall we do it?" asked Tommy, who felt that it could do no harm to humor his caller.
"We will find Father Time, and see if he will go backwards for us. Where is the clock?"
"In the hall down stairs," answered the little boy.
The two went out into the corridor and down the stairs to where the old Dutch clock stood under the staircase, ticking loudly through the silent house. It was much taller than either Tommy or the ex-Pirate, and as they approached the little boy was amazed to see the clock's face brighten up and smile, and wave its hands in greeting to the ex-Pirate. The latter returned the courteous salute, and knocked on the door below. The door immediately opened, and old Father Time, with his scythe and his hour-glass, stepped out into the hallway, and nodded cheerfully to the ex-Pirate.
"How do you do?" said he.
"Sixty seconds to the minute as usual," answered Father Time, genially. "What can I do for you?"