“Yes, captain; I think I have grown,” returned Guy, complacently². “When did you get back?”

“Only last week. You are here almost as soon as I. Have you got through working for Mr. Saunders?”

“Oh, no. I am still in his employ. I went to England to attend to some business for him, and I am now in America on the same errand.”

“And does he make it worth your while?”

“Yes,” answered Guy, smiling. “I won’t go into particulars. I haven’t done that even with my father. I will tell you, however, that since I have been home I have paid off a five hundred dollar mortgage on the parsonage.”

“That is capital! Evidently Mr. Saunders is{181} a liberal man; and I am sure I am very glad, not only for your sake, but for the sake of my old friend, your father. How long do you stay in Bayport?”

“That depends partly upon you.”

“How is that?”

“I may be your passenger on your next voyage.”

“You mean to go back to Bombay, then?”

“Yes; or at least in that direction. How long before you will start?”

“Well, you see, Guy, that isn’t an easy question to answer.”

“Why not, captain?” asked Guy, puzzled.

“I’ll tell you. I have been cruising about for about fifteen years without any vacation, and I am minded to stay at home for six months at least, more especially as my only sister is coming on from Wisconsin, where she has been living ever since her marriage, twenty years since. There are only two of us now, for all the rest of the family are dead, and I may never see her again, as she means to go back to Wisconsin after her visit.”

“I see, captain,” said Guy, in a tone of disappointment. “Of course, I can’t blame you, but it will interfere³ with my plans.”

“I don’t see why that should be, Guy.”

“I can’t wait six months.”{182}

“You won’t need to. The Osprey will sail just the same as ever, but for this one voyage it will have a different commander. You ain’t set on sailing with me, are you?”

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