lis:

"Do you think that Captain Moore will be willing to let us go off the
ship with you? We are so very tired of being on board."

"I should think you must be; that is how most people feel by the time
they reach Sydney. We are so far away from Europe, you see, and a long
voyage is bound to be tedious," he answered kindly; and then he told
them that he would go and interview the captain at once about the matter
of their going. Meanwhile they were to wait in the dining saloon for
him, as he would certainly not find it easy to hunt for them in the
confusion which at present reigned on board.

"What a dear he is, bless his heart!" cried Sylvia, dancing
lightheartedly up and down between the tables; then seizing upon
Billykins for a partner she whirled round and round, while Don and Ducky
joined forces to take their share of the fun, and Rumple bobbed, bowed,
then spun round and round without any partner at all, and dancing with
more energy than discretion was constantly falling foul of the chairs,
which were screwed to the floor and swung round upon pivots.

Only Nealie and Rupert stood apart, talking rather anxiously about the
future and wondering whether their scanty stock of money would suffice
for all the needs of the journey. Rupert had been rather lamer than
usual during the last few days, owing to an accidental slip on the
stairs. This lameness was one of the private worries of Nealie, for she
did not believe that he need be lame if only the weak foot and ankle
were properly treated. However, her father would doubtless see that the
dear eldest brother had all the care that was necessary, and so until
they reached Hammerville she would just have to leave the matter where
it was.

Mr. Wallis, coming back from his interview with the captain, thought
that he had never seen a family more radiantly happy than this company
of boys and girls who were skipping and prancing up and down the long
room, bumping against each other in sheer gleefulness of heart.

But at sight of him they instantly subsided into outward quiet, coming
crowding about him to know how his errand had sped.

"The captain says that he will be very pleased to let you go ashore with
me----" began Mr. Wallis, and then found he could get no further until
the noise of a rousing three times three, led by Rumple, had died away,
for he could not make himself heard above such a noise.

"No more cheering until Mr. Wallis has finished, please," said Nealie